The Weaknesses of Articles of Confederation and the Birth of the US Constitution

1. Bell Ringer • What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation when it came to foreign policy? • What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation when it came to domestic policy? • What does the phrase “separation of power” mean?

2. CH 6: Creating the Constitution

3. Articles of Confederation • When the US declared its independence on July 4th 1776 the Continental Congress needed a system of rules to govern by. • This would be the Articles of Confederation, our first constitution (Alliance). • Meanwhile, each State would create their own constitution, each saying something different. • The Articles were extremely weak (as they couldn’t get the states to do anything), and they soon needed to be replaced.

4. Achievements • Though the Articles were pretty bad, Congress did achieve a few things: • Land Ordinance of 1785: Surveyed (mapped) and divided new territory gained from the Treaty of Paris. • Northwest Ordinance: Organized those new lands government (MI, OH, IN, IL, WI) • 5,000 men= elect a legislature • 60,000 men= could write a constitution & form a government

5. Failures • The Articles were weak, which made foreign policy a nightmare. • Foreign nations questioned the US’ financial stability. • For this reason trade would decline. • Britain also refused to remove troops from the US as they saw the Articles were weak, and aided Indians & Spanish in Attacking the Colonies in hopes of a collapse

6. Failures Part II • The Articles also did not regulate interstate commerce (trade between states). • States would charge each other tariffs, which caused issues. • States would also ignore Congress as they thought they were bothering them. • All this led to: high debt + weak currency + falling trade = economic depression

7. Shay’s Rebellion • Farmers suffered the worse from these conditions. • Summer 1786: Angry farmers started to occupy court houses. • Soon 1,200 farmers tried to seize weapons from the state, but the militia stopped them. • The State needed money to pay the militia, but Congress couldn’t give them money (couldn’t raise taxes) so private citizens paid for the militia.

8. 1787 Constitutional Convention • Alexander Hamilton (NY) & James Madison (VA) would call for a Constitutional Convention replace the Articles. (Stronger Gov’t) • George Washington was “in charge,” but was there to insist he would not be a king. • Every state but RI would attend. • Though they were instructed to “fix” the articles many believed a new system was needed. • All 55 members were, “the well-bred, the well-fed, the well- read, and the well-wed.” (White, avg 42)

10. People of Note • Ben Franklin: 81, oldest member • George Washington: Hero of the Revolution • Alexander Hamilton: Brilliant up and comer • James Madison: Political Genius • Thomas Jefferson & John Adams were out of the country (France & England) • Samuel Adams refused to go because he didn’t want a strong government.

11. Making the Constitution • Madison will be hugely influential in the forming of the Constitution (Father of Constitution). • Delegates favor: • Separation of Powers: 3 branch government • Checks & balances: each branch being able to limit another branches power

13. Plans & Compromise • The Virginia Plan wanted a bicameral legislature (2 houses) Population Based • New Jersey Plan wanted a unicameral legislature (1 house) Every state equal • Great Compromise: A bicameral legislature where each house had different representation. (House: Population & Senate: Every State has 2 members)

14. Divisive Issues • Slavery: Northern states wanted it abolished, the south opposed. (Representation & Taxes) • 3/5s Compromise: 5 Slaves = 3 Whites • Commerce: Northern wanted the government to have control over Trade, South opposed (Slave Trade) • Compromise: Congress could regulate foreign & interstate trade, but couldn’t outlaw slavery until 1808

15. Electoral College • After deciding on a having a single President, there were debates on how to elect them. • Electoral College: a special body of voters from each state who would elect the president. • Equal to number of members in Congress. • These “voters” tended to vote the way the state voted. • The Convention closes Sept 1787

16. Bill of Rights • 9 of 13 states needed to ratify the Constitution • By January 1788 DE, PA, NJ, GA, & CN have ratified the Constitution. • MA called attention to the fact there was no Bill of Rights, and the peoples’ rights could be infringed upon. • MA & other states ratify on the condition that a Bill of Rights is added. • The new Congress will form the Bill, and by 1791 10 states ratified it. (10 B.R. + 17 = 27Amendments)

17. Bill of Rights • Article I: Freedom of Religion, Assembly, Speech, Press, & Petition • Article II: A well regulated Militia has the right to keep and bare arms. • Article III: No soldier, in a time of peace, shall be quartered in a house without the owners consent • Article IV: No unreasonable search and Seizure

18. Article V: No Double Jeopardy (not the game) • Article VI: Right to a fair and speedy trial • Article VII: Any case, where the value is more than $20, shall have the right to a trial by jury. • Article VIII: No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishments • Article IX: Can not deny constitutional rights • Article X: Anything not covered in the constitution is left up to the States to handle.