The Confederation The Constitution

1. The Confederation & The Constitution America is built on COMPROMISES 1776 - 1790

2. Your Mission It�s 1776. You have declared your independence from Britain. Now what? What challenges do you face as you begin nation-building? Get into groups of four and brainstorm: Most immediate challenge Most potentially damaging challenge Most difficult challenge to resolve

3. Chapter Overview Revolution was not a radical transformation, but did produce political innovations and social change towards greater equality and democracy. Compromise was an essential element for a federal government, along with the abandonment of the Articles of Confederation. The federal Constitution provided a strong framework for national identify and protection against disorder.

4. Victory! But can we survive without Mom? New responsibility of creating and operating a central government. This new type did not exist. Natural rights/equality taught by political leaders. Allegiance for a common cause was now gone. New American industry in competition with English goods. States each coined their own money, raised armies, and erected tariff barriers. Some States began to levy duties on other state�s goods States quarreled over boundaries Congress � some control over foreign affairs and armyStates each coined their own money, raised armies, and erected tariff barriers. Some States began to levy duties on other state�s goods States quarreled over boundaries Congress � some control over foreign affairs and army

5. Our Strengths All 13 states had similar constitutions. Unity of a rich political heritage. Brilliant political leaders: Washington, Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Hamilton.

6. Move Towards Equality Exodus of Loyalists create a weakness in conservatives. Removal of many aristocrats Modified laws and customs for more equal treatment. Most states reduced property-holding requirements to vote. Religious freedom Expanded freedoms for women (education, civic virtue, and, republican motherhood) Challenged Slavery � why not removed? Sacrificed for unity Opportunities for all (esp. land) helps keep violence at bay. 1775 � Philly Quakers found the first antislavery society A fight over slavery would have fractured the fragile national unity1775 � Philly Quakers found the first antislavery society A fight over slavery would have fractured the fragile national unity

7. Judith Sargent (Murray)