From Confederation

To Federal Union

Republican Ideals of State Constitutions

• Between 1776 & 1780 all states except CT and RI drafted new Constitutions.

• They were very similar

• Republicanism – leaders received authority from their citizens to make and enforce laws.

• Where did these ideas come from?– Greeks, Romans, European Philosophers

How did the State Constitutions address Colonial Concerns?

• Reduced the power of the governor– Governor had a one year term.– Denied power to overturn laws.

• Reduced the influence of the church on government– Required to pay taxes to support particular

church even if they did not belong. NO LONGER!

Republicanism & Women

• State Constitutions were the most democratic of this time period.

• Women were not full citizens.

• Most Men & Women opposed women participating in politics.

• End Result – Most State Constitutions limited the right to vote to WHITE MALE PROPERTY OWNERS!

What is Republican Motherhood?

• The concept that women could influence politics and society through their work in the home. “Birth of a New Nation”– Offer moral guidance to husbands – Educate their children in principles of liberty,

democratic values & civic responsibility.– Instruct young men to be good citizens which

would ensure a healthy new republic.– Outcome – increased women’s ability in

education.

Articles of Confederation

America’s First Government

Thirteen Countries• Each colony became a state

• Each state was really a independent country.

• People were loyal to their state, not one big country.

State Government

• Each state had its own government.– More important than Congress

• Each state dealt with foreign countries on their own.

• Each state made its own money

States Work Together

• Each state sends representatives to Congress.

• Congress helps plan and direct the War

• However, Congress has no power over any state.

Articles of Confederation

• An agreement by the states to work together.

• Formed a very weak central government.– No judiciary (national court system)– No executive branch (think King)– One legislature, with little power.

NH MA RI CT NY PA NJ MDDE SC GANCVA

Citizens of Each State

Elects State Gov’t

CongressEach State = 1 Vote

No Executive No Judicial System

Why a Weak Government?

• Parliament and the King were strong!

• The colonies had rid themselves of such a government.– An executive reminded them of a King, so

no deal.

Problems with the Articles

• Congress could not tax the colonies.– Each state levied its own taxes.

• Congress could not fix trade problems between states.

• Each state had only one vote– It did not matter how big or how many

people lived in it.

Government Gridlock

• To pass a law, 9 of 13 states must agree– Nearly 70%!!– Few laws were passed

• To amend (change) the Articles of Confederation, all states must agree.

Land Issues

• Colonies won lots of new land.

• Each state claimed some of that land as theirs.

Land Ordinance of 1785Organization of Territories

Population reach 5,000adult males elect legislature

• 60,000 People - writeconstitution and equalstanding in USA

Northwest Ordinance

• All states agree to give up claims to land in the west.

• System is created to make new states.– Three step process to

statehood

• New states would be equal to old states.

• Only big success under the Articles of Confederation.

Call for Change

• Small number of people want change

• Reasons:– Create a government that can do something!– Fix many of the problems facing the states.– People are too dumb to govern themselves

• Folks call for a convention in Annapolis Maryland to discuss changes.

Annapolis Convention

• 1786 Annapolis, Maryland

• Only 12 reps from 5 states show.

• Delegates plan to meet again in Philadelphia in 1787

• Goal is to fix the national government.

Shay’s Rebellion

• Colonists in Mass. angry over high taxes.

• Framer named Shays leads an armed rebellion.

• Congress cannot raise funds for an army

• Mass. finally raises an army and defeats Shay.

• Convinces many people the Articles need serious revision.

What happened at the Constitutional Convention?

• Great Compromise

Representation

• Important – Decided

if we would remain as

as a country and move

on.

Three-Fifth’s Compromise

3 of every 5 slaves

would be counted

toward population

& taxes.

North & South

Compromised.

Checks and Balances

A system that gives each branch of government different powers so that each branch can check the authority of the others.

Bill of Rights

When the Constitution was ratified in 1789, many people were concerned that it did not protect certain freedoms. They thought that the Constitution should be changed or amended to protect these freedoms. On December 15, 1791, ten amendments were added to the Constitution. These amendments guarantee certain freedoms and rights, so they are known as the Bill of Rights.