1. CHAPTER 2, SEC.2 —THE BIRTH OF A DEMOCRATIC NATION
CIVICS
Mr. Fracker
CE 2b

2. Important First Documents
Charters of the Virginia Company of London
Gave colonists the same rights as Englishmen
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Served as the model of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution

3. The Continental Congresses
First Continental Congress: delegates from 12 colonies met in Philadelphia in 1774
Delegates demanded rights be restored
King George III refused and applied force (Battle of Lexington & Concord)
Second Continental Congress: by 1776, delegates felt that a move to independence was needed
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
convinced them independence was
necessary

4. Declaration of Independence
Declaration was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson
Major points:
Stated grievances against Britain
Declared colonies’ independence from Britain
Affirmed rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness)
Declared all people are equal under the law

5. Declaration of Independence (continued)
Major Points (continued)
Government is based on consent of the governed (people)
If govt. is not protecting the rights of the people, they have the right to overthrow it.
Ideas came from John Locke

6. ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
First form of national government for the independent states
Maintained major powers that resided with individual states

7. POWERS OF ARTICLES Power to control the army
Power to deal with foreign countries on behalf of states

8. WHAT ARTICLES COULDN’T DO:
Demand taxes
Enforce laws
As a result, this allowed states much freedom – WEAK CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

9. WEAKNESSES OF ARTICLES
No power to tax and enforce laws!!!
A passed law needed 9 of 13 votes, and amendments needed all 13

10. M&C 3

11. RESULTS OF WEAKNESSES:
No taxes=Congress borrowed lots of money=a lot of debt
Individual states levied high taxes on goods

12. What could be done to solve the problem?
State delegates returned to Philadelphia to form a stronger central government
Changes to the Articles of Confederation would be made plus a whole lot more!!!

13. More Documents The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
Freedom of religious beliefs & opinions
The Constitution & Bill of Rights
Established the national government of the U.S.
Guaranteed equality with majority rule & minority protection
Affirmed dignity & worth of all people
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, &petition,