Why the Articles of Confederation Failed

1. In Shays’ Rebellion, farmers took up arms against the courts, but also against their new country. They were debt-ridden, desperate, and seemingly alone. Many speculated… Would rebellion spread elsewhere? “What a triumph for our enemies…to find we are incapable of governing ourselves.” --George Washington

2. Country lacked national unity • States functioned independently • Didn’t recognize differences in populations • 9 of 13 had to vote for a law • All states had to agree to amend • No executive branch to enforce laws • Problems w/ foreign nations, because states had little concern for nation as a whole • Spain and England POLITICAL ECONOMIC Why the Articles of Confederation Failed • Huge debt incurred by the Rev. War • Congress could not enact or collect taxes • Congress could not regulate foreign trade • Huge debt accumulated by farmers Shay’s Rebellion showed serious problems. With so many farmers willing to rebel, dismay spread through the nation. James Madison & Alexander Hamilton called for a convention.

3. Back to the Drawing Board After Shay’s Rebellion, it is evident that changes must be made. In May of 1787, 12 of the 13 states meet in Philadelphia to hash out changes to the Articles. They soon realize they have to form a new government. Slavery Issues: Will slaves count as people? 3/5 Compromise. 3/5 of a state’s slaves will count for population Big States vs. Small States: Great Compromise (Roger Sherman). Bi-cameral legislature, one house based on population, one had 2 reps. per state Key Issues @ the Constitutional Convention New Government Structure: Federalism – divided power between national gov’t and state gov’ts. Separation of powers – 3 branches, keep one person or group from gaining too much power.

4. Taking Up Sides • Federalists • Supported the Constitution • Included G. Washington & James Madison • Heavy support from cities; skilled workers, merchants, & laborers • Small states & areas w/ weak economies supported the idea of a stronger central government • Anti-federalists • Opponents of the Constitution • Included Samuel Adams & Patrick Henry • Support from rural areas; people thought it might add to their tax burden • Large states & areas w/ stronger economies had greater freedom under the Articles of Confederation VS A war of words resulted in public debate… “The Federalist Papers” appeared in newspapers defending the Constitution. “Letters from the Federal Farmer” appeared as a counter to the “Papers.” Most newspapers favored the Federalists

5. People demanded a Bill of Rights to ease their fear of a strong central gov’t. …They wanted written guarantee of freedom of speech, press, & religion Antifederalists had strong argument against the Constitution because it lacked a Bill of Rights…A formal summary of citizens rights. For many states…ratification depended on the presence of a bill of rights. The states had recommended 80 amendments, then narrowed to 10. Ratifying the Constitution The Constitution is ratified & the new government becomes a reality in 1789, however Rhode Island did not ratify until 1790. • AMENDMENTS: • 1-8 concern personal liberties; • 9th asserts that rights are not limited to those specifically mentioned; • 10th affirms that people & states have power not specifically given to the national gov’t.