1. America’s Political Heritage
Section 3: Moving Toward Nationhood
Section Reading Support Transparency
Section Outline
I. A Clash of Views
II. A Declaration of Independence
III. Organizing a New Government
IV. A Limping Government
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2. America’s Political Heritage
Section 3: Moving Toward Nationhood
Main Idea
Key Terms
After becoming dissatisfied with English rule, the colonies declared themselves an independent nation. After winning the American Revolution, they turned to the task of strengthening and improving their new government.
Compact
Ratification
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3. America’s Political Heritage
Section 3: Moving Toward Nationhood
A Clash of Views
English View
Parliament represented all English citizens, including the colonists.
Colonists View
Since no colonists served in Parliament, nor could colonists vote for Parliament, English government did not attend to colonial needs.
Trade Conflict
Parliament only allowed the colonists to trade with England.
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4. America’s Political Heritage
Section 3: Moving Toward Nationhood
A Clash of Views (continued)
“No Taxation Without Representation”
When Parliament decided to raise money to pay its debts by taxing the colonies, it enraged many colonists.
Steps Toward Independence
1774: The First Continental Congress
1775: The Second Continental Congress
1775: Fighting breaks out in Massachusetts.
1776: Common Sense is published.
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5. America’s Political Heritage: Section 3
The Declaration of Independence
“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.”
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6. America’s Political Heritage: Section 3
The Declaration of Independence (continued)
“…whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and institute new Government.”
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7. America’s Political Heritage: Section 3
The Declaration of Independence (continued)
Writers
The Second Continental Congress, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams
Signed on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia
As the American Revolution was being fought
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8. America’s Political Heritage
Section 3: Moving Toward Nationhood
Organizing a New Government
Compact
A written agreement to make and obey laws for the welfare of the group
State Constitutions
During and after the Revolution, each state had its own constitution.
The Articles of Confederation
1777: The original compact between the soon-to-be independent colonies
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9. America’s Political Heritage
Section 3: Moving Toward Nationhood
Organizing a New Government (continued)
Outline
Allowed for a national legislature, with each state having one vote.
There was no judicial branch.
Problems
The Articles of Confederation needed the ratification or approval of all 13 states.
Many of the states had different opinions on whether there should be a strong central government or strong state governments.
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10. America’s Political Heritage
Section 3: Moving Toward Nationhood
A Limping Government
Postwar Problems With Debt and Trade
Congress had borrowed a large amount of money to pay for war supplies, but it could not pay these debts back.
Congress was unable to regulate trade with England and other English colonies.
Shays’ Rebellion
1786: Hundreds of angry Massachusetts farmers, led by Daniel Shays, revolted to show their anger over poor trade conditions. This exposed a weak American government and the need for a stronger national government.
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11. America’s Political Heritage: Section 3
Section Reading Support Transparency
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