1. The Articles of Confederation

2.  Weak central government (strong state governments)  Federal government could not collect taxes.  No Federal military  States were coining their own money  States were making their own foreign treaties.

3.  Uprising led by Massachusetts farmers against paying taxes.  Attack a Federal arsenal and the Federal government had no military to protect itself.  Send in state militia.  **Proved weakness of Articles.

4.  Problem- large states want representation based on population. Small states want equal representation.  Solution- Bicameral legislature (2 Houses). Created Congress. House of Representatives is based on population and Senate is equal representation (2 from each state).

5.  Problem- North wants Federal government to regulate trade. South wants states to regulate trade because they are afraid the Federal government will end the slave trade.  Solution-Federal government gets right to regulate trade, but cannot end the slave trade until 1808. This just ends the importation of slaves, not slavery itself.

6.  Problem- North wants slaves to count for taxes, but not representation. South wants slaves to count for representation, but not taxes.  Solution- 3/5 th Compromise. Each slave will count as 3/5 th of a person. Example- 15slaves X 3/5 th = 9 slaves for taxes and reps.

7.  Problem- How many people should be part of the executive branch? How should they be selected?  Solution- President and Vice President. Chosen by the electoral college. The electoral college is a safety net.

8.  Supported ratification of the Constitution.  Better than the Articles of Confederation.  Balanced power between state and Federal government (Federalism).

9.  Did not support ratification of the Constitution.  Not enough protection for individual rights.  Added the Bill of Rights – 1787  Federalist Papers- persuasive essays.

10.  The Preamble says- Americans expect their government to defend justice and liberty and provide peace and safety from foreign countries.  Purpose- The Preamble describes the purpose of the government set up by the Constitution.