1. US History-Establishing A New Nation
US History Unit 3

2. Articles of Confederation
• After becoming an independent nation, the former colonies needed to create their own form of government. The Articles of Confederation served as the first plan of government for the newly formed United States. It is significant that the Confederate form of government did not include an executive.
• Strengths: First form of government for the new republic, created the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, outlawed slavery in the Northwest Territories.
• Weaknesses: No executive or judicial branches of government, Shay’s Rebellion showed that the government could not keep order and a stronger form of national government was needed , no power to tax, no power to regulate trade, no national currency, no army, no foreign respect, territorial disputes. Needed unanimous vote to amend Articles, decisions were not mandatory
Credit: Humble ISD

3. Northwest Territory
Even though the Northwest Ordinance is unique to the United States, it did provide an orderly way to admit new territories and states.
To become a state:
The territory had 60,000 residents
The territory had a written constitution
The territory had to outlaw slavery
Five states were created from the Northwest territory.

4. Federalist vs. Anti Federalist
The Federalists argued for ratification and a stronger national government because under the Articles of Confederation, the weak national government set the United States up for failure.
Leaders: Alexander Hamilton & James Madison
The Anti-Federalists argued against ratification of the Constitution. They argued for a more limited national government and that states’ rights should remain powerful over key issues. The Anti-Federalists strongly believed that the American Revolution was fought to remove the power of a strong central government. Anti-Federalists believed that the Constitution must guarantee individual freedoms.
Leaders: Patrick Henry & George Mason

6. Compromises in the Constitutional Convention
The Virginia Plan-
Representatives for congress would be allocated to each state based on each states population. The larger states supported this plan.
The New Jersey Plan
Representatives for congress would be evenly divided (two votes) between each state. The smaller states supported this plan.
The Great Compromise
Two houses in congress (bicameral congress). The senate: each state had equal representation & The House of Representatives: The number of representatives based on a states population
Three-Fifths Compromise
A compromise between the Northern and Southern states. 3/5 of the slave populations within a state would count for the overall population of a state= representation (votes in congress)
Bill of Rights
The Anti Federalist would only accept the Constitution with the Bill of Rights.
In 1787 the constitution is written. It is the basis of our government today.

7. Three Branches of Government

8. Seven Principles of Government
• Limited Government- All citizens (even members of the government) must follow the laws outlined in the constitution.
• Republicanism- We elect representatives that listen to our concerns and make laws to benefit us.
• Checks and Balances- Each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches of government
• Federalism- The State and National government share power, but they also have some powers that are unique.
• Separation of Powers- All three branches of the government have unique responsibilities and powers.
• Popular Sovereignty- People have the power. People vote in a self government
• Individual Rights- The goal of our government is to maintain order while also protecting our unalienable rights.

9. Bill of Rights
•First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, Freedom of Religion, and of assembly; right to petition
•Second Amendment – Right to keep and bear arms
•Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops
•Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure
•Fifth Amendment – due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain
•Sixth Amendment – Trial by jury and rights of the accused; Confrontation Clause, speedy trial, public trial, right to counsel
•Seventh Amendment – Civil trial by jury
•Eighth Amendment – Prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment
•Ninth Amendment – Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights
•Tenth Amendment – Powers of States and people
Due Process Amendments (4th-8th Amendments)

10. American Citizenship
•“Founding Fathers” applies to those individuals who played a major role in declaring independence, fighting the Revolutionary War, or writing and adopting the U.S. Constitution. They were models of citizens with civic virtue.
•“Civic Virtue” relates to involvement in a community. Those with civic virtue go a step beyond their obligations by taking an active role in improving the community and the experiences of other members of the community.
Our national identity consists of the characteristics we share
• Religious freedom
• Freedom of trade or occupation
• Democratic system of government
• Individual rights
A Citizen of the United States should:
• Obeying rules and laws
• Voting
• Serving on juries
• Volunteering for organizations