1. Chapter 3 Section 1 The Nation’s First Governments

2. Main Idea Americans faced the task of forming independent governments at both the state and national levels.

3. I. The First State Constitutions Jan. 1776 : NH became the 1 st colony to organize as a state and create a written, detailed plan for gov. (Constitution) Within a few years every former colony did the same.

4. A) From Colonies to States 1. States set up similar systems of gov. 2. Each had: a. bicameral legislature (make laws) b. governor (enforce laws) c. courts (interpret laws) B) Preserving Rights Most state constitutions included a bill of rights guaranteeing certain basic freedoms and legal protections.

5. II. The Articles of Confederation Main idea: The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation created problems for the new country.

6. A. Forming a Confederation 1. States realized they needed to join together in certain ways to be successful. 2. Needed one large Army, not 13 separate small armies to fight the British. 3. The states formed a “league of friendship” that created a confederation (group of individual state governments that band together for a common purpose). 4. This central gov. had very limited powers.

7. B. A of C government 1. One-house legislature 2. Each state had only one vote 3. Confederation Congress was the only government body with control over the army and authority to deal with foreign countries on behalf of the states. 4. However, its central powers were very limited.

8. C. Accomplishments of A of C 1. laid the foundation for the administration of a national gov. 2. Provided for a system of growth and development for the states. 3. Ordinance of 1785 a. created a system of surveying and selling western land b. arranged land into townships (6 sq. mi.) c. each sq. mi. divided into 36 sections d. first used in Northwest Territory (Ohio,Indiana, Illinois, Mich., Wisconsin)

9. 4. Northwest Ordinance a. 1787- Laid the basis for the organization of new territorial governments and set a precedent for the method of admitting new states to the Union. b. Included a specific provision outlawing slavery. c. Opened the way for settlement of the Northwest Territory in a stable and orderly manner.

10. D. Weaknesses of the A of C 1. Congress could not: a. Tax (could ask for but not demand $ from states) b. Regulate trade c. Enforce its laws 2. There was no chief executive 3. There were no national courts 4. Rules were too rigid: a. 9 out of 13 states had to approve a new law 5. Unanimous consent to change A of C

11. E. A Time of Crisis 1. The states were able to overcome these weaknesses and win the Revolutionary War. 2. Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783. 3. However, the new nation faced serious financial troubles. a. States had also fallen into deep debt. b. Citizens were taxed heavily and many farmers lost property due to unpaid taxes. c. States taxes imported goods to raise $.

12. F. Shay’s Rebellion 1. Congress had no power to solve the problems of the new nation. 2. Several riots broke out and Americans feared the government could not protect them. 3. Daniel Shay’s led a rebellion of 1200 farmers in Mass. that served as a wake-up call to the nation. 4. 1787 12 of the 13 states sent delegates to a meeting in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation.