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Chapter 8.1 Forming a Union. June 12, 1776 A Committee in Second Continental Congress agreed to create a national government if America does declare independence from England. July 4, 1776. Congress issued the Declaration of Independence Written by Thomas Jefferson
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Chapter 8.1 Forming a Union • June 12, 1776 • A Committee in Second Continental Congress agreed to create a national government if America does declare independence from England.
July 4, 1776 • Congress issued the Declaration of Independence • Written by Thomas Jefferson • Now it’s time for the new government to take place. • Why? • So when the war is over we can start our own country.
Americans Create a Republic • When the war ends… • All 13 states ratify a constitution known as the Articles of Confederation • Ratify • Give official approval • Established the US as a republic • Citizens rule through elected representatives
A.O.C. Creates a Weak National Government • Articles of Confederation has one branch of government • Called Congress • It’s job? Make the laws for our country! • How does it function? • Each state shared power by having 1 representative • 7 of 13 state representatives had to agree to make a law. • No President or judicial branches
Early Problems in the Republic • Congress could not: • Collect taxes • Keep states from printing their own money • Pass laws without majority of 13 states agreeing • Congress could: • Borrow money from other nations • Declare war • Enter treaties • Pass laws with a majority
One thing the A.O.C. got right… • They passed the Land Ordinance of 1785 • Set up a system for dividing up the territory west of the 13 original states. • This created the opportunity to make new states in the future.
Northwest Ordinance of 1787 • By 1787 enough people had moved into Ohio Valley that laws had to be made to govern them. • Called Northwest Ordinance of 1787
How did the NW Ordinance work? • Created the Northwest Territory • Would eventually become states • Illinois • Indiana • Michigan • Ohio • Wisconsin • Set rules for these states to be created. • Population had to be 60,000 or more • Had to set a local republic form of government • Led by a Governor • Could not have slavery!!!
What is the Articles of Confederation? • What is the Northwest Ordinance of 1787? • What states are included in the Northwest Territory? Review Questions…