1. From the Declaration To the Amendments
Historical Documents

2. Events Leading to Independence
End of French and Indian War
Treaty of Paris gives Great Britain claim to all of North America east of the Mississippi River
Britain in great debt
Proclamation of 1763
To avoid further conflict with Native Americans, British government prohibited colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains
Colonists ignored proclamation line

3. New Taxes
Sugar Act
Halved duty on foreign-made molasses in hopes that colonists would pay a lower tax rather than risk arrest for smuggling
Placed duties on certain imports that had not been taxed before
Colonists accused of violating act would be tried in vice-admiralty courts – single judge rather that jury

4. Stamp Act
Imposed a tax on documents and printed items such as wills, newspapers, and playing cards
First tax affected colonists directly because it was levied on goods and services
Colonist harass stamp distributers, boycott British goods
Prepare Declaration of Rights and Grievances

5. Townshend Acts
Britain taxes certain colonial imports and stationed troops at major colonial ports to protect customs officers
Colonists protest “taxation without representation”
Organize new boycott of imported goods

6. Boston Massacre
Taunted by angry mobs, British troops fire into the crowd, killing five colonists
Colonial agitators label the conflict a massacre and publish dramatic engraving depicting the violence

7. Tea Act
Britain gives the East India Company special concessions in the colonial tea business and shuts out colonial tea merchants
Boston Tea Party - Colonists in Britain rebel, dumping 18,000 pounds of East India Company tea into Boston harbor

8. Intolerable Acts
King George III tightens control over Massachusetts by closing Boston Harbor and quartering troops
Colonial leaders form the First Continental Congress and draw up a declaration of colonial rights

9. “The British are coming”

10. Lexington & Concord
General Gage orders troops to march to Concord Massachusetts and seize colonial weapons
Minutemen intercept the British and engage in battle
“shot heard around the world”
Second Continental Congress called
Formed Continental Army & appointed G. Washington as commander
Issued Olive Branch Petition – last attempt at resolving differences

11. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
                                                                                   When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government………….

12. The Declaration via Hollywood
Dec Reading

13. Declaration of Independence:
BIG IDEA:
Written as a complaint to George III
Outlined signers view of relationship between Govt and citizens.
Placed power with citizens- allowing them to rebel if govt wasn’t protecting their rights. (Hobbes/Locke)
Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness (Locke)
July 4, Birth of USA

14. Declaration of Independence July 4,1776
Influenced by John Locke
Natural rights granted by God
Life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness (property)
Equality of all men
Principle of limited government
Government by consent
Right to rebel against tyranny
Thomas Jefferson
Primary Author

15. How the Declaration of Independence Relates to You:
This declaration created the USA!
Declared our independence from Great Britain
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

16. Class Activity: Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness
What does Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness mean to you as a teenager?

17. Articles of the Confederation:
BIG Idea:
1st government of USA
Purposefully weak- placed most power with states
Framers were afraid a government that was too powerful would abuse power like George III.
Government could not coin money, raise taxes, or give the president law enforcement power.

18. How the Articles of the Confederation Relate to You:
It really set the stage for something better – the US Constitution (which rules all US citizens)
The weak areas of the Articles of the Confederation were addressed in the drafting of the US Constitution
It was like a US Constitution “rough draft” that had some problems that needed fixing.

19. Articles of Confederation
Pros
Provides for a common defense force
Allows each state to retain its independence and sovereignty
State constitutions
Powers
Declare war
Negotiate w/other countries
Postal system
Cons
No power to tax
No power to regulate interstate commerce
No strong central voice for negotiation
No way to deal with Revolutionary debt
No common currency
Inconsistent representation in Congress
1 state : 1 vote

20. Weakness

21. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Confederate system w/one branch at the national level
Unicameral Congress - one vote per state
National Congress powerless to tax
National Congress powerless to regulate foreign & interstate trade
No executive branch to enforce acts of Congress
No national court to settle disputes between states
Amendment: ALL 13 states had to agree - unanimous
9/13 majority to pass laws

22. Class Activity: Big Govt. or small Govt.
Do you believe that the government should have large or small role in leading the United States and it’s people?

23. Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution
Confederate system
Unicameral Congress - one vote per state
Powerless to tax
Powerless to regulate foreign & interstate trade
No executive branch to enforce acts of Congress
No national court to settle disputes between states
Amendment: ALL 13 states had to agree - unanimous
9/13 majority to pass laws
Federal System
Bicameral Congress: Senate & House of Representatives
Congress given power to tax
Congress given power to regulate trade
Executive Branch to enforce laws
Judicial Branch to interpret laws & Constitution
Amendment: 2/3 Congress + ¾ State Legislatures
50%+1 to pass laws

24. Northwest Ordinance: BIG IDEA: Created Northwest Territory (1789)
Expanded US landholding westward
Ohio River was the “slave boundary” – Civil War
Also allowed religious freedoms
Ohio became the first state created from this ordinance (1803)

25. How the Northwest Ordinance Relates to You:
It established Ohio! – where you live!!
It also showed that America was sovereign (in charge) of their new land
Slavery was also NOT allowed in this territory which set up the issues in the Civil War

26. Class Activity: Ohio, A Free State
Ohio has a rich history of fighting against slavery. How does it make you feel to know that the place you now live was against the acts of slavery?

27. US Constitution: BIG Idea: Is the supreme law of the USA
Highlights separation of powers (judicial, legislative, executive)
Role of states and federal govt.
Has been amended 27 times
Bill of Rights would later be added to the Constitution

28. Who wrote the Constitution:
55 men
experienced in politics
men of wealth and prestige (elite)
most were formally educated
all were white
owned property
relatively young
James Madison = Primary Author
“Father of the Constitution”

29. Solutions provided by the U.S. Constitution
Federal System
Bicameral Congress: (Connecticut Compromise)
Senate – States are equally represented – 2 per state
House of Representatives – Based on population size
Congress given power to tax
Congress given power to regulate trade
Executive Branch to enforce laws
Judicial Branch to interpret laws & Constitution
Amendment: Proposed by 2/3 Congress
Ratified by ¾ of the state legislatures
50%+1 to pass laws

30. Principles of the Constitution
Popular Sovereignty
Limited Government
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review
Federalism

31. Popular Sovereignty
The people are the source of political authority - (power)
Government by consent
Representative democracy (republic)
“We the People of the United States…”

32. Limited Government Rule of law
No one is above the law - including members of the government
The government must operate within the boundaries of the Constitution

33. Separation of Powers
Division of the national government into three co-equal branches
Each branch given specific responsibilities
Legislative Branch =
Executive Branch =
Judicial Branch =

34. Checks and Balances
System designed to prevent any branch of the national government from becoming more powerful than another branch

35. Judicial Review
The power of the courts to decide the constitutionality of laws and acts of government
Marbury v. Madison

36. Federalist or Anti-Federalist
After the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, the fight for Ratification began.
9 out of 13 states had to ratify the Constitution before it would go into effect.
Two factions (opposing groups) emerged:
Federalists who supported the Constitution
Anti-Federalists who opposed to the Constitution
These two groups argued for their position in newspapers, magazines, and pamphlets until the Constitution was ratified by the 9th and decisive state on June 21, 1788
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

37. Anti-Federalists
Led by Thomas Jefferson and included farmers and small landowners who believed nation’s future rested on agriculture.
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

38. Anti-Federalist Arguments made by Anti-Federalists
The Constitutional Convention went beyond what they were charged to do. (illegal-Treason)
A strong national government would destroy states’ rights.
Resembled a monarchy with its concentration of power
Did not have a Bill of Rights

39. Federalists
Effective national government to handle the nation’s economy, establish its monetary system, promote justice, and protect individual liberty.
Took name “Federalists” show link to “Federalism”
Federalism: government power is distributed among the states, but the power of the central authority outweighs the authority of the states.
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

40. Federalist
Included Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison.
Wrote a series of letters/essays called the Federalist papers in support of the new constitution.

41. Ideologies of Each Side
Federalists
Anti-Federalists
Supported removing some powers from the states and giving more power to the national government.
Wanted important political powers to remain with the states.
Wanted the legislative branch to have more power than an executive.
Favored dividing powers among different branches of government.
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights
Proposed a single person to lead the executive branch.
Feared that a strong executive might become a king or tyrant.
Believed Constitution did not need a Bill of Rights
Wanted a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution

42. The Federalist Papers

43. The Federalist Papers
Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John way under pen name Publius (Latin word for public).
A series of letters published in newspapers
Written for three reasons:
To influence the vote in favor of ratification
To explain the Constitution for future interpretation
Outlined how the Constitution should be set up
Included 85 letters published from October 1787 to April 1788 and later bound in book form.
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

44. The Federalist Papers Arguments made by The Federalist Papers
Federalists 1-14 stressed importance of the Union
Federalists’ stressed inadequacy of the Articles of confederation
Federalists Explained arguments for the Type of Government Contained in the Constitution
Federalists Explained the Republican Form of Government
Federalists explained the 3 branches of government.
Federalists answers questions of objections to the Constitution
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

45. Ratification
In the spirit of Compromise, the Federalists agreed to add a Bill of Rights which helped the document to be ratified.
Delaware was the first state to ratify the document on December 7, 1787.
New Hampshire was the 9th and decisive state.
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

46. Ratification
North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the Constitution whey they approved the document on November 21, 1789.
Rhode Island was the last to ratify in 1790.
Once the document was ratified questions arose on how to put the Constitution into practice leading to the growth of political parties

47. The Federalist Party A.
Led by George Washington (although he ran as an independent) and Alexander Hamilton
Believed in a strong central government
Supported loose interpretation of the constitution.
Believed future of country rested on manufacturing and industry.
1SS-E18. Describe the actions taken to build one nation from thirteen states, with emphasis on:
PO 3. the creation of political parties, including the ideals of the Democratic Republicans and the Federalists

48. The Democratic Republicans
Led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison
Believed in states’ rights
Wanted strict interpretation of the Constitution
Believed that the future of the nation rested with agriculture.
1SS-E18. Describe the actions taken to build one nation from thirteen states, with emphasis on:
PO 3. the creation of political parties, including the ideals of the Democratic Republicans and the Federalists

49. The Need for a Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was the first test of the amendment process outlined in Article 5 of the Constitution.
The Articles lays out two ways to amend a document.
2/3rd of both houses, or Conventions in 2/3rd of the states propose an amendment
3/4th of state legislatures or special conventions in each state ratifies the amendment
10 of 12 proposed amendments were ratified on December 15, 1791.
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

50. Bill of Rights
1st Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, Petition 2nd Right to Keep and Bear Arms 3rd Quartering of Soldiers 4th Security from Unwarrantable Search & Seizure 5th Rights of Accused Persons in Criminal Proceedings 6th Right to Speedy Trial, Witnesses, Trial by Jury in Criminal Cases 7th Trial by Jury in Civil Cases 8th Ban Excessive Bail, Fines, and Cruel & Unusual Punishment 9th Unenumerated Rights of the People 10th Reserved State Powers

51. The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights Memory Game

52. The Bill of Rights
1st Amendment: 5 Freedoms – religion, assembly, petition, press, and speech.
Establishment Clause: government can not establish a state religion.
Free exercise Clause: citizens can worship (or not) any way they choose.
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

53. The Bill of Rights 2nd Amendment: right to bear arms.
3rd Amendment: government can’t ask you to quarter soldiers.
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

54. The Bill of Rights
4th Amendment: protection against search and seizure
Police need search warrant or probable cause
5th Amendment: due process of law, right to remain silent, indictment by a grand jury, double jeopardy, and eminent domain (rights of person’s accused of a crime)
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

55. The Bill of Rights
6th Amendment: right to a speedy, fair, and public trial of your peers, right to a lawyer/attorney/ counsel, right to confront witnesses, right to bring witnesses to testify on your behalf. (more rights of the accused)
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

56. The Bill of Rights
7th Amendment: right to a jury trial in civil cases more than $20.00.
8th Amendment: right to apply for bail, no cruel or unusual punishment
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights

57. The Bill of Rights
9th Amendment: All powers not listed in the constitution belong to the people.
10th Amendment: All powers not listed in Constitution belong to states or the people.
1SS-E17. Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:
PO 4. Struggles over ratification of the Constitution and the creation of the Bill of Rights