1. The Confederation and the Constitution
Chapter 9
The Confederation and the Constitution

2. A revolution of sentiments
Ideas about society and government
80,000 loyalists leave country
All men created equal
Some states gave women right to vote
Property requirements lowered

3. Constitution making in the states
Continental Congress asks states to draft new constitutions
Mass.: gives vote to the people
State constitutions have bills of rights, annual election of legislators
Weak executive and judicial branches
States move capitals west

4. Economic crosscurrents
No beheadings take place as in France
Impact of nonimportation
American ships go abroad: Empress of China
Inflation gets out of control

5. Shaky start toward Union
Colonists pull together to oppose British
British companies: flood American markets
American response

6. Creating a Confederation
Arguments about land in the west
States give up land claims to fed. Gov.
Northwest land ordinance

7. Articles of confed. Congress: 1 vote per state Bills required 2/3 vote
Amendments required unanimous vote
No tax powers
No power over trade
Could make treaties
Written laws
Evolution of government into constitution

8. Early difficulties British still in forts in northwest
Spanish still in the Southeast, closes off Miss river in 1784
French demand repayment
Pirates of Mediterranean
Economic problems
Fights over state boundaries
Shay’s rebellion

9. Constitutional Convention
Convention called at Annapolis for commerce
Called for a meeting the following year
55 Delegates chosen by state legislatures
Most were lawyers all were men
Many leaders from Revolution absent

10. Compromises 3/5 compromise Virginia/ New Jersey plans
The Great Compromise
Taxation plans start in the house
Strong independent executive
President has appointment, veto powers
Slave trade allowed until 1807
Separation of powers: election of house
¾ for changes