1. 2.3 – The Critical Period

2. Articles of Confederation, November 15, 1777 Structure: 1 body-Legislative, 1 House (Unicameral) Powers: Make war/peace, ambassadors, make treaties, borrow money, set-up monetary system, post office, navy, army from states (ask), uniform weights and measures, settle disputes among states

3. State Obligations: obey Articles of Confederation, supply troops, surrender fugitives, allow open travel Weaknesses: 1 vote per state, couldn’t collect taxes, couldn’t regulate trade, no executive branch to enforce acts of Congress, no National court system, full agreement on amendments, 9/13 agreement on laws

4. More Problems, 1780’s October 19, 1781 – American Revolution Ends Nation faced big economic and political problems because of Articles of Confederation States bickered often, refused to support new government, taxed each others goods

5. 2.4 – Creating a Constitution

6. Need for a Stronger Government Philadelphia Convention, May, 1787 Delegates agreed to create a new government 55/74 delegates attended, 12/13 States attended Framers (all had distinguished backgrounds and most had education) Independence Hall – Sworn to Secrecy – Extremely HOT!

7. Virginia Plan 3 Branches (Legislative, Executive, & Judicial) Legislative: Bicameral, decided by population & monetary contributions, House – popular election, Senate – House elected

8. New Jersey Plan 3 Branches (Legislative, Executive, & Judicial) Legislative: Unicameral, Each state has equal representation

9. How should the States be represented in Congress? Connecticut Compromise Bicameral Legislature: House – Population, Senate – equal representation Sources of the Constitution British tradition, State Governments,

10. 2.5 – Ratifying the Constitution

11. Date Finished: September 17, 1787 Federalists vs. Favored ratification Madison & Hamilton Federalist Papers Anti-Federalists Opposed ratification Jefferson Believed National Government was too powerful Wanted Bill of Rights

12. September 13, 1788: 11/13 States ratified the Constitution New York City – Capital, Congress located on Wall Street April 30, 1789: George Washington took the oath of office