2. American History 5/2/03 A New Nation Federal Government Expansion to the West

3. A New Nation 1781 Article of Confederation -set up the central government -the presidency was powerless -Congress lacked the power to tax

4. 1787 Constitutional Convention George Washington was in charge of the convention Delegates from each state (except Rhode Island) discussed the Constitution.

5. Constitution of the U.S. Federal government has the power to collect taxes It organizes the armed forces It makes treaties with foreign countries It controls trade.

6. The Executive Powers (President) Approves or veto federal bills Carries out federal laws Appoints judges and other high officials Makes foreign treaties

7. Checks on Executive Powers Congress can override veto by 2/3 vote Senate can refuse to confirm appointments or ratify treaties Congress can impeach President Supreme Court can declare executive acts unconstitutional

8. Legislative Powers (Congress) Passes federal laws Establishes lower federal courts and the number of federal judges

9. Checks on Legislative Powers Presidential veto of federal bills Supreme Court can rule laws unconstitutional

10. Judicial Powers (The Supreme Court) Interprets and applies the laws by trying federal cases

11. Checks on Judicial Powers Congress can propose constitutional amendments Congress can impeach federal judges President appoints judges and Senate confirms them

12. 1791 The Bill of Rights 1 st Amendment -guarantee separation of church and state and freedom to worship - freedom of speech and the press 2 nd Amendment -the right to bear arms

13. 1803 Marbury v. Madison The Supreme Court overturned an act of the Congress for the first time The Supreme Court is the final authority in deciding the meaning of the Constitution.

14. 1820 The Missouri Compromise Missouri would be admitted as a slave state, but slavery would not be allowed north of Missouri ’ s southern border

15. 1823 Monroe Doctrine The U.S. would not tolerate intervention by European nations The U.S. would not interfere with already established colonies or European nations

16. Jacksonian Democracy 1828 Andrew Jackson became the president. He embodies the new American spirit. – not an aristocrat He opened the political process to more people

17. Expansion to the West 1803 The Louisiana Territory was purchased from France 1804-06 Lewis & Clark made an expedition to the West 1820 Erie Cannel was open

18. Manifest Destiny “ the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent ” The desire to control the entire continent from the Atlantic to Pacific

19. Film – How the West Was Won Erie canal made it easy for Americans to move to the West A life style of early Americans

20. That ’ s all for today Have a nice weekend!