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The United States under the Articles of Confederation was a FEDERAL system of government, meaning…….. Power was shared between the State Governments and the National Government If the National Government was weak, who held most of the power?.
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The United States under the Articles of Confederation was a FEDERAL system of government, meaning…….. Power was shared between the State Governments and the National Government If the National Government was weak, who held most of the power?
Weaknesses of Articles of Confederation • No money and no power to get it • No power over the state governments and their citizens • Unenforceable trade agreements • Unfair competition among the states • Threats to citizens’ right to property
What was a major difference in how the Articles of Confederation and the State Constitutions were created?
State Constitutions Special state conventions were called so that constitutions could be written by the people. When complete, they were ratified and approved by voters. (Social Contract/ Consent of the Governed)
The State Governments • Called for elected legislatures, plus an executive and a court system • Limitations on Power Bill of Rights • Citizens were allowed and EXPECTED to participate in state governments
The Constitutional Convention • 55 Delegates from each state (except RI) • Purpose was to fix weaknesses of Articles • Delegates were divided into 2 factions over one question… How should this problem be fixed? Revise the Articles, or Start from Scratch
The Virginia Plan • A.K.A. “The Large State Plan” • Called for creation of bicameral (2 House) National Legislature • Representation would be based on population (Proportional)
The Virginia Plan Solutions to Weaknesses in Articles of Confederation • Legislature would have right to tax, regulate foreign and interstate commerce • National Legislature can veto any act of the State Legislatures (Supremacy of Fed Gov’t) • Adding an Executive and Judicial Branch to the National Gov’t
The New Jersey Plan • AKA The Small States Plan” • Wanted to keep State govt’s more powerful than national gov’t • Gave Congress the powers to tax and regulate foreign and interstate commerce • Would create an executive and judicial branch • Give every state an equal vote in a unicameral Congress (Equal Representation)
