1. The Articles of Confederation

2. The Articles were written in 1777 by John Dickinson, a Penn. statesman The Articles were written in 1777 by John Dickinson, a Penn. statesman The Articles were accepted by Congress in 1781 and is considered the first national constitution The Articles were accepted by Congress in 1781 and is considered the first national constitution

3. Early Influences on American Government M agna Carta M agna Carta King John of England forced to sign in Juune 15,1215 and also known as “Great Charter” King John of England forced to sign in Juune 15,1215 and also known as “Great Charter” Forced King to share power with the people Forced King to share power with the people Provided for trial by jury when accused of a crime. Provided for trial by jury when accused of a crime. Returned England back to the old laws Returned England back to the old laws Contained 37 laws which showed the King’s power could be limited by written grant Contained 37 laws which showed the King’s power could be limited by written grant Basis for constitutional government in England and the basis for English Bill of Rights and eventually American Bill of Rights Basis for constitutional government in England and the basis for English Bill of Rights and eventually American Bill of Rights

4. Early Influences on American Government John Locke John Locke Scottish Philosopher and author Scottish Philosopher and author Defined Natural Rights Defined Natural Rights State of Nature State of Nature Social Contracts Social Contracts Believed that government must have the consent of the people it governs to operate Believed that government must have the consent of the people it governs to operate Believed natural rights must be protected Believed natural rights must be protected Believed that no one group should be able to take rights away from another Believed that no one group should be able to take rights away from another

5. The Articles of Confederation The fear of having too much power in one person ’ s hands reflects the experiences the colonies had under a monarchy The fear of having too much power in one person ’ s hands reflects the experiences the colonies had under a monarchy In the Articles the state governments limit the power of the national Congress In the Articles the state governments limit the power of the national Congress

6. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Congress had no power to raise taxes Congress had no power to raise taxes Congress had no power regulate foreign or state trade Congress had no power regulate foreign or state trade Laws had to be approved by 9 out of 13 states Laws had to be approved by 9 out of 13 states Congress did not have the power to enforce laws Congress did not have the power to enforce laws

7. Strengths of the Articles of Confederation The Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed The Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed The Northwest Ordinance was past The Northwest Ordinance was past Had the power to declare war and peace, print money, make treaties and settle state disputes Had the power to declare war and peace, print money, make treaties and settle state disputes

8. Strengths of the Articles of Confederation: Settling Western Lands The Land Ordinance of 1785, stated that land in the west was to be surveyed using a grid system to establish 6 mile blocks The Land Ordinance of 1785, stated that land in the west was to be surveyed using a grid system to establish 6 mile blocks The Northwest Ordinance assisted in the orderly expansion of the United States, it outlined a plan for applying for statehood to western territories The Northwest Ordinance assisted in the orderly expansion of the United States, it outlined a plan for applying for statehood to western territories 5,000 free males who own 50 acres can start govt 5,000 free males who own 50 acres can start govt Population of 60,000 could become a state Population of 60,000 could become a state

9. Settling Western lands The Northwest Ordinance provides an orderly settlement process in the West The Northwest Ordinance provides an orderly settlement process in the West It promised It promised no slavery no slavery education education freedom of religion freedom of religion trial by jury trial by jury

10. Northwest Territory The Northwest Territory was east of the Mississippi River and north of the Ohio River. The states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin would be formed from this area.

11. Reasons for Shay ’ s Rebellion Farmers are required to pay debts in gold, they have no money because they were not paid during the war Farmers are required to pay debts in gold, they have no money because they were not paid during the war Wealthy lawmakers invested their money in the war too. And seek to get money from the farmers debts Wealthy lawmakers invested their money in the war too. And seek to get money from the farmers debts

12. Shays ’ s Rebellion Poor farmers are not represented in the Mass legislature and cannot pass debt relief laws Poor farmers are not represented in the Mass legislature and cannot pass debt relief laws The rebellion will free debtors from prisons and close courts that are hearing cases against farmers The rebellion will free debtors from prisons and close courts that are hearing cases against farmers

13. Shays ’ s Rebellion The Mass militia is called out to stop it The Mass militia is called out to stop it Poor farmers in 1791 elect officials who support their stance and will close courthouses and demand financial help from the Congress Poor farmers in 1791 elect officials who support their stance and will close courthouses and demand financial help from the Congress Shays ’ s Rebellion will prompt national leaders to create a stonger central government Shays ’ s Rebellion will prompt national leaders to create a stonger central government

14. Samuel Adams Said What?! “ Rebellion against a king may be pardoned, or lightly punished, but the man who dares to rebel against the laws of a republic ought to suffer death ”

15. Views about Shays ’ s Rebellion Adams will also write a law called the Riot Act, which prohibits 12 people or more from meeting and gives the government the power to shoot rioters! Adams will also write a law called the Riot Act, which prohibits 12 people or more from meeting and gives the government the power to shoot rioters! Samuel sure has changed since 1776! Samuel sure has changed since 1776!

16. Thomas Jefferson Said What?! "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government. God forbid that we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion."