1. From Confederation to a Federation
Building a New Nation
From Confederation to a Federation

2. We will: learn the purpose, effectiveness and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
I Will: construct a thesis and prove an argument that one provision of the Constitution of the United States would help address a problem facing the United States in the 1780’s & reflects Enlightenment thinking.

3. Lesson A: Time Line 1775-1783: American Rev. being fought
1776: Continental Congress adopts Declaration of  Independence
1777: Continental Congress adopts the Articles of  Confederation
1786: Shays Rebellion ☹
1787: Constitutional Convention drafts the Constitution
1789: Constitution is ratified by 9 of the 13 states
1789: George Washington is elected President

4. The Articles of Confederation
CRASH COURSE:
The Articles of Confederation
Define:
FIRM LEAGUE OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE STATES
Confederation where States maintained SOVEREIGNTY! (Ultimate and superior political authority to make decisions within their own borders)
What could CONGRESS DO?
What they could NOT DO?
Declare War
Coin $
Pass Laws
Treaties
Raise Troops
Levy (Pass)Taxes
Force States to Comply!
No Judicial Branch
No Executive Branch
Amend w/o Unanimous vote
Americans distrusted a STRONG CENTRAL GOVERNMENT!
Then WHY make
AofC???

5. The Northwest Land Ordinances
1 Good Law of A.ofC.
Question: How do we ensure the growth of our new Nation?
Orderly creation of New States on = terms (5 New Sts)
Outlined how cities and towns would look
Banned Slavery

6. THE TURNING POINT: SHAYS REBELLION
What impact did Shays Rebellion have on the AofC?
Many feared the collapse of State Governments if the NATIONAL government could not protect them!

7. What was the purpose of creating the Constitution?
Part 2: The Constitution
What was the purpose of creating the Constitution?

8. We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Why did the people of the United States feel the need to FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION?

9. Lesson A: Types of Government

10. Be ready to explain your conclusion please.
Apply
If your family was a government structure what kind would it be?
(Assume Parents = Central Gov't Kids = States)
a. Unitary
b. Confederation
c. Federal
Be ready to explain your conclusion please.

11. The Constitution of the United States of America
A Less Perfect Union