1. The Constitution Background and Development of the MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT EVER WRITTEN

2. Background: The American Revolution CAUSES: RESULTS: MAIN IDEAS:

3. Articles of Confederation The United States’ first “constitution” (1781- 1787) Key characteristic? DECENTRALIZATION Why was it set up this way? Powers of National Government –Declare war, make peace –Coin Money –Appoint Officers –Run Post Office

4. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation PROBLEMS OF DECENTRALIZED POWER –NO POWER TO COLLECT TAXES –NO POWER TO REGULATE COMMERCE (TRADE) –EACH STATE HAD ONE VOTE, REGARDLESS OF POPULATION –9 OF 13 VOTES NEEDED TO PASS LAWS –WEAK PRESIDENCY –NO NATIONAL COURT SYSTEM –ALL 13 STATES HAD TO AGREE TO AMEND

5. SHAY’S REBELLION January 1787: Western Massachusetts Armed veterans close courts to prevent their lands from being taken Founders believed USA needed a strong national government to protect property and maintain order Immediate impact: Constitutional Convention of 1787

6. The Constitutional Convention THE FRAMERS (FOUNDERS) What kind of men were they? What was their mandate? What did they actually do? How did they achieve legitimacy for their actions?