1. State Governments After the Revolution A Brief Study

2. Do Now Complete the following “State Identity” work sheet (one per group) and be prepared to discuss your findings…

3. Articles of Confederation Ratified on March 1, 1781 First constitution for the United States Each state had its own identity! “confederacy” (origin LATIN) An alliance of strong, independent states

4. After the American Revolution Each state controlled themselves… “autonomy” Most states would set up governments with LEGISLATIVE SUPREMACY Not always a good things because…

5. The Massachusetts Constitution Written in 1780 Last state to write one Different from every other state because they DID NOT use Legislative Supremacy More evenly spread out power among the three branches Checks and Balances

6. Virginia Declaration of Rights Written by George Mason Virginia was the first state to create a bill of rights List of rights that the government cannot take away from the people We have some of the same rights today Gun ownership Privacy Rights in Court of Law