1. What is the significance of “majority rule” and “minority rights” in the foundations of American Government?

2. The Articles of Confederation Structure
Congress only national government body
1 representative from each state
Make war, peace, and treaties
Appoint ambassadors
Borrow money from states
Propose new laws
Meanwhile, states retained ALL powers not given to Congress

3. Weaknesses of Articles of Confederation
States receive 1 vote regardless of size
Congress could not collect taxes
Congress could not regulate interstate trade
No national court system
9/13 majority to pass laws
Changes to Articles could only be made if ALL states approved
Cartoon depicting weaknesses of Articles

4. End of Revolution and Need for New Government
End of Revolution sees end of friendship:
States taxed one another’s goods
States printed own money
States refused to pay war debts
States made treaties with foreign governments
States raised their own armies
States were TOO independent to form a cohesive government
Cartoon depicting state tensions

5. The Constitutional Convention
1786, clear that change is needed
Constitutional Convention, 1787
12 states
Representatives from 12 states
Create stronger central government that doesn’t violate state independence
Two plans emerge…
Artist representation of Constitutional Convention

6. Virginia Plan (Big State Proposal)
Bicameral Legislature (two houses of law making)
Representation based on population
Together could overrule executive vetoes
Addition of executive branch
Would enact laws
Appointed by legislature
Could veto laws passed by legislature
Addition of judicial branch
Would settle disputes about laws
National laws override state laws

7. New Jersey Plan (Little State Proposal)
Keep unicameral legislature (one legislative body)
Each state would have same number of representatives and votes
Addition of executive branch
Would enact laws
Appointed by legislature and removed at request of majority
Addition of judicial branch
Would settle disputes about laws
Appointed by executive
Provide central government with more power
Tax states to raise money
Regulate interstate trade to prevent conflict among states

8. What is the significance of “majority rule” and “minority rights” in the foundations of American Government?

9. Compromises Made Connecticut Compromise
Bicameral legislature
Lower house representation based on pop.
Upper house representation same number
Elected executive branch with veto power
Judicial branch appointed by executive
Ability of legislature to remove executive
Increase power of central government
Three-Fifths Compromise
Each slave would be counted as three-fifths of a person
Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise
Legislature could regulate interstate trade, but could not tax exported goods or make laws against slavery for at least 20 years

10. Legacy of Compromise
Majority Rule vs Minority Rights continues to shape major political issues:
Congressional Gridlock
Electoral College issues
Affirmative action
And so many more