1. The Constitution

2. Articles of Confederation Confederation – loose association of independent states The Articles of Confederation – Established the first government of the United States – November 15, 1977 – Fear of Central Power – National Government lack any real Power – Four Reasons for Failure No power to tax No head of State No regulation of interstate or foreign commerce Each state how power to veto amendments

3. Constitution Convention Shays’s Rebellion – Demonstrated need for Stronger Government Edmond Randolph of Virginia – Virginia Plan Three Branches of Government – Legislative – Executive – Judicial Two House Legislature – Representation based on taxes paid Called for strong national government Favored the large and wealthy states

4. Continued New Jersey Plan – William Paterson of New Jersey – Legislature based on equal representation – Favored by small and poor states – Forced a Compromise Great Compromise – Roger Sherman of Connecticut – House based on size – Senate is equal – Legislation approved by both chambers

5. Continued 3/5 th Compromise – Slavery a big part of American Economy – The question of representation of slaves Should they count towards population? – Slave States = yes – Free States = no – Slaves will count as 3/5 th of a person – Gave southern states greater representation

6. Ratification Need nine state to ratify become law – Nation Split over Constitution Federalist – supported – favored national government Antifederalist – did not support – favored state gov Federalist Papers – Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison = Publius – 85 newspaper articles supporting ratification Federalist No 10 – avoid factions, pluralism, or “tyranny of the majority” (mob rule) Federalist No 51 – control tyranny through “separation of powers” and “checks and balances” Anti-Federalist Papers – Brutus – Not as influential

7. Bill of Rights States would not ratify without Bill of Rights – List basic civil liberties and civil rights – Purpose of Revolution War Federalist No 84 – BofR would be “Dangerous” – Not possible to list prohibited powers George Washington – Amendment process Bill of Rights – First 10 amendments to the constitution Constitution Adopted – First State Delaware – December 7, 1787 – 9 th New Hampshire – June 21, 1788 Became Active – 13 th Rhode Island – May 29, 1790