1. Chapter 2 U.S. Government How Our Constitution was created

2. Constitution Definition Definition A nation’s basic law. It creates political institutions, assigns or divides powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens.A nation’s basic law. It creates political institutions, assigns or divides powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Sets the broad rules of government. Sets the broad rules of government. The 200+ year old document is still utilized today because it is not “specific” The 200+ year old document is still utilized today because it is not “specific”

3. The way our government works today can be traced to important documents in history: Important English Documents

4. The Continental Congresses First Continental Congress The colonists sent a Declaration of Rights to King George III. (The Declaration of Independence) The colonists sent a Declaration of Rights to King George III. (The Declaration of Independence) The delegates urged each of the colonies to refuse all trade with England until British tax and trade regulations were repealed. The delegates urged each of the colonies to refuse all trade with England until British tax and trade regulations were repealed. Second Continental Congress In 1775, each of the 13 colonies sent representatives to this gathering in Philadelphia. In 1775, each of the 13 colonies sent representatives to this gathering in Philadelphia. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The Declaration of Independence listed specific grievances against the King. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The Declaration of Independence listed specific grievances against the King. The Second Continental Congress served as the first government of the United States from 1776 to 1781. The Second Continental Congress served as the first government of the United States from 1776 to 1781.

5. The Government That Failed The Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation The first document to govern the United StatesThe first document to govern the United States Congress had few powers (could not tax); States held most power.Congress had few powers (could not tax); States held most power. States could engage in foreign trade; promised to obey Congress; respect the laws of the other states; and contribute money to congressStates could engage in foreign trade; promised to obey Congress; respect the laws of the other states; and contribute money to congress

6. One vote for each State, regardless of size. One vote for each State, regardless of size. Congress powerless to lay and collect taxes or duties. Congress powerless to lay and collect taxes or duties. Congress powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce. Congress powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce. No executive to enforce acts of Congress. No executive to enforce acts of Congress. No national court system. No national court system. Amendment only with consent of all States. Amendment only with consent of all States. A 9/13 majority required to pass laws. A 9/13 majority required to pass laws. Articles only a “firm league of friendship.” Articles only a “firm league of friendship.” Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

7. The Government That Failed The Aborted Annapolis Meeting The Aborted Annapolis Meeting An attempt to discuss changes to the Articles of Confederation.An attempt to discuss changes to the Articles of Confederation. Attended by only 12 delegates from 5 states.Attended by only 12 delegates from 5 states. Called for a meeting in May 1787 to further discuss amendments to the Articles of Confederation.Called for a meeting in May 1787 to further discuss amendments to the Articles of Confederation.

8. The Government That Failed Economic Turmoil Economic Turmoil States had different currenciesStates had different currencies States had laws that favored debtorsStates had laws that favored debtors Shays’ Rebellion Shays’ Rebellion A series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by Revolutionary War Captain Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings.A series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by Revolutionary War Captain Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings.

9. The Agenda in Philadelphia The Economic Issues The Economic Issues States had tariffs on products from other statesStates had tariffs on products from other states Paper money was basically worthlessPaper money was basically worthless Congress couldn’t raise moneyCongress couldn’t raise money National government was powerless to act to stop domestic disturbances; e.g. Shay’s RebellionNational government was powerless to act to stop domestic disturbances; e.g. Shay’s Rebellion Actions taken:Actions taken: Powers of Congress to be strengthenedPowers of Congress to be strengthened Powers of states to be limitedPowers of states to be limited

10. The Madisonian Model James Madison “The Father of the Constitution”. James Madison “The Father of the Constitution”. His system of government was based upon these principals: His system of government was based upon these principals: Limiting Majority ControlLimiting Majority Control Separating PowersSeparating Powers Creating Checks and BalancesCreating Checks and Balances Establishing a Federal SystemEstablishing a Federal System

11. The Madisonian Model The Constitution and the Electoral Process: The Original Plan (Figure 2.2) The Constitution and the Electoral Process: The Original Plan (Figure 2.2)

12. The Madisonian Model of Checks and Balances

13. Differences arose between the Delegates The Virginia Plan Three branches of government Three branches of government Bicameral legislature Bicameral legislature “National Executive” and “National Judiciary” “National Executive” and “National Judiciary” The New Jersey Plan Unicameral Congress Unicameral Congress Equal representation for States of different sizes Equal representation for States of different sizes More than one federal executive More than one federal executive

14. Constitutional Compromises The Connecticut Compromise Delegates agreed on a bicameral Congress, one segment with equal representation for States, and the other with representation proportionate to the States’ populations. Delegates agreed on a bicameral Congress, one segment with equal representation for States, and the other with representation proportionate to the States’ populations. The Three-Fifths Compromise The Framers decided to count a slave as three- fifths of a person when determining the population of a State. The Framers decided to count a slave as three- fifths of a person when determining the population of a State. The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise Congress was forbidden from taxing exported goods, and was not allowed to act on the slave trade for 20 years. Congress was forbidden from taxing exported goods, and was not allowed to act on the slave trade for 20 years.

15. The Federalists and Anti- Federalists The Constitution was very controversial at first, with some groups supporting it, and others attacking it. Federalists thought that the Articles of Confederation were weak, and argued for the ratification of the Constitution. Anti-Federalists objected to the Constitution for many reasons, including the strong central government and the lack of a bill of rights.

16. Vocabulary Chapter 2 Representative government Magna Carta Petition of Right English Bill of Rights Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Connecticut Compromise Three Fifths Compromise Boycott Popular sovereignty Unicameral Bicameral Articles of Confederation Federalists Anti-federalists Federalist Papers Ratification