1. The Constitution Chapter Three Notes

2. REVIEW: ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION What was the Articles of Confederation? What were the strengths? What were the weaknesses? Why did the articles fail?

3. WHAT WERE THE ARTICLES? First constitution of the United States Confederation- a group of individuals or in this case states, banding together for a common purpose. Had a one house legislature, each state had one vote The legislature had the power to control the army and handle foreign affairs States refused to give the federal Gov’t a lot of power!

4. WEAKNESSES OF THE ARTICLES Lack of Power and Money Congress could not tax Congress could not regulate trade Congress could not enforce laws Lack of Central Power No single leader No national court system Congress could not pass laws without the approval of 9 states The Articles could not be changed without the agreement of all 13 states.

5. Nation had to borrow money for the war State governments were deep in debt States begin taxing at an alarming rate States feared that the government could not protect them …SO WHY DID IT FAIL?!

6. The Road to the Constitution Delegates met on May 25, 1787 55 men from each state except Rhode Island All of the men were well educated and prominent Ben Franklin was the oldest delegate

7. Decisions… George Washington would preside the meeting The details of the meeting were kept secret- allowed them to speak freely Majority rule No formal records kept Discarded the Articles of Confederation and decided to write a new Constitution

8. COMPROMISES Virginia Plan- called for three branches of government and a two house legislature. Large states would have more votes than small states New Jersey Plan – Three branches and one house but each state would get one vote. GREAT COMPROMISE- Two houses – a senate and house of representatives and each state would be equally represented based on population (Roger Sherman of Connecticut)

9. 3/5 Compromise- every five slaves would count as 3 people. This ensured that states would have equal population, especially in the southern states. Electoral College – created to select the president and vice president. A group of people selected by voters in each state.

10. Structure of the Constitution Preamble- opening section. Tells why the constitution was written. Articles – explain how the government will work Amendments – changes to the constitution

11. Principles of the Constitution POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY – power lies within the people RULE OF LAW- limits the government by saying the law applies to everyone. SEPARATION OF POWERS – splits authority among the three branches CHECKS AND BALANCES – keeps any one branch from becoming too powerful

12. FEDERALISM – power is shared by the national and state government EXPRESSED POWERS- powers granted in the constitution – WRITTEN RESERVED POWERS – powers given to the states CONCURRENT POWERS – powers shared by both the national and state government