2. The Nation’s First Governments

3. Declaration of Independence declared the American colonies as 13 separate states, not one country
Each “state” had their own government and laws
Most Americans liked the separate idea, as they felt they had nothing in common with the people of other states

4. States are like individual countries

5. Early State Constitutions
Written with a lot of detail
Set up a government similar to the colonial governments
Legislatures would make the laws
Governor would carry out the laws
Courts would interpret the laws
Most states included a Bill of Rights

6. The Articles of Confederation
Established a system of cooperation amongst the 13 states
One house legislature, where each state had 1 vote
Limited powers: control army, dealings with foreign countries on behalf of the states
Could not raise taxes
Or enforce laws on a national level

8. Weaknesses of the Articles
Laws could not be passed until 9 states voted in favor
Amendments to the Articles required a unanimous vote from all 13 states
No enforcement of passed laws
Had to borrow money to pay for Revolutionary war because of no taxation policy

9. No single leader to direct government policy
No national court system
Congress did not have any power to regulate trade

10. Why were the early states scared to have a strong central govt
Why were the early states scared to have a strong central govt? Why did they fear a strong single leader? How did it hurt them to not have a central leader at all?

11. Copy Graphic Organizer pg. 41 of text

12. Shay’s Rebellion
Group of farmers marched on the federal arsenal in Springfield, MA in protest of the heavy taxes that states levied on goods from other states and countries
The farmers felt that the state had created the heavy debt burden and they should fix the problem, not take personal property

14. Call for Changes to the Articles
Needed a stronger central government
states send delegates to Philadelphia to make changes to the Articles of Confederation