1. Origins of American Government

2. Our Political Beginnings Basic Concepts of Government- Colonists saw the need for an ordered government -The English also brought with them the idea of limited government and representative government -limited government- government limited in what they can do and every citizen has certain rights -representative government- government should serve the will of the people

3. Landmark English Documents Magna Carta- (Great Charter)- 1215- King John forced to sign, guaranteed rights such as trial by jury and due process of the law (originally only for upper class) Petition of Right- 1628- Charles I forced to sign in order to receive tax money. Limited King’s power- only punish if broke law of land, no military rule during peace time, homeowners did not have to shelter king’s troops English Bill of Rights- 1689- William and Mary of Orange—prohibited standing army during peace, right to fair trial, free from cruel and unusual punishment Pg. 32

4. Thirteen Colonies Each colony established as a charter (written grant of authority from the king). King retained some government rights: over time 3 different types of colonies formed- Royal proprietary, and charter Royal- Under direct control of the Crown—King appointed governor and council—laws passed had to be approved by the governor and the Crown Proprietary- A proprietor given land by king and governed how ever the proprietor chose---Proprietor chose governor

5. Continued… Charter- G0vernors elected by the voting public (white, male, property owners). Laws made by legislature and not subject to governor/Crown’s veto, judges appointed by legislature Many believe Revolution would not have occurred if all colonies were granted similar rights as the charter colonies

6. Section 2 Coming of Independence

7. British Colonial Policies Mid 1700’s- Central Government in London provided colonies defense, uniform monetary system, and common market for trade---beyond that mostly colonial rule Changed when 1760 under King George III- restricted trade and added new taxes

8. Colonial Unity Albany Plan- 1754- Ben Franklin proposed the creation of an annual congress of delegates from each colony. (raise military forces, make war/peace, regulate trade, tax, and collect custom duties (tax on imports)— ahead of time and rejected by colonies and Crown Stamp Act Congress- Britain taxing documents/ opposed by colonies. Sent Declaration of Rights and Grievances to King. King repealed act but passed others. Resentment grew leading to Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party

9. Unity Continued… First Continental Congress- 1774- Response to troubles in Boston. Delegates met in Philly and send a Declaration of Rights to King George III—called for a refusal of trade with England until taxes and trade regulations repealed (all 13 colonies gave support) Second Continental Congress- 1775- Revolution had began—Led by John Hancock—The Continental Army was formed—George Washington Commander-in-chief - Served as our first government from the adoption of the Declaration of Independence (July 1776) through the Articles of Confederation (March 1781)

10. Continued… The Second Continental Congress was unicameral (congress both legislative and executive branches) Declaration of Independence- Largely the work of Thomas Jefferson—With its adoption the U.S. was born and 13 independent states were born State Constitutions- Varied widely but shared common features (popular sovereignty, limited government, civil liberties and rights, separation of powers, and checks and balances

11. Declaration of Independence Read pages 43- 47 Answer Questions on page 47 Discussion

12. Section 3 Critical Period

13. Articles of Confederation November 15, 1777 (Maryland last to ratify in March 1781) Government- Congress (unicameral)—Each state chose a representative each year whatever way their legislature choose Each state had 1 vote (regardless of population) No Judicial branch created (committee’s from congress performed these tasks)

14. Powers Congress---make peace/war, send ambassadors, make treaties, borrow money, set money system, establish post offices, build army/navy, settle state disputes State obligations---obey articles and acts of congress, provide funds and troops, treat citizens of other states fairly, full faith to proceedings in other states, allow open travel Weaknesses---Congress no power to TAX and regulate trade between states—only execute powers with blessing of 9 of 13 states

15. Critical Period-1780’s States did not trust each other—printed own money, taxed goods from other states, made deals with foreign countries---chaos erupted Need for stronger government- Maryland and Virginia met at Mt. Vernon and settled dispute—called for a joint meeting of all states Annapolis- only 5 states sent delegates---Eventually met in Philadelphia in Feb. 1787 (constitutional convention)—originally change the articles, decided needed a new government

16. Section 4/5 Creating the Constitution and Ratifying Constitution

17. Framers and Plans Virginia Plan- Called for government with 3 separate branches (judicial, legislative, and executive)— Congress bicameral (based on population)- house by vote and senate by appointment---Congress choose national executive and national judiciary New Jersey Plan- kept Congress unicameral (could tax). Big question was how to choose congress—by population or equality

18. Compromise Connecticut Compromise- Senate would be represented equally and House based on population 3/5 Compromise– 3 out of 5 slaves could be counted in population, but they would have to pay taxes on them Commerce and Slave trade—Congress could not tax goods from any State and not interfere with slave trade for a period of 20 years Framers realized compromise was necessary, but were dedicated to popular sovereignty and limited government

19. Fight for Ratification Federalists (favored)—Anti-Federalists (opposed) Delaware first to ratify (Dec. 7, 1787)---by June 21, 1788 9 states had ratified. Virginia (Key state) followed on June 25 New York—bitter struggle and key in trade and bringing together the New England States—ratified on July 26 Ratified without N.C. and Rhode Island (later did) New York City (temporary capital)—Washington elected president and John Adams Vice President (choose by congress)