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The Confederation and the Constitution

The Confederation and the Constitution. Although the Revolutionary War brought new changes to American society, during the Critical Period the new nation was challenged with an inefficient government. -Post Revolutionary War changes -Articles of Confederation -Constitutional Convention

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The Confederation and the Constitution

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  1. The Confederation and the Constitution Although the Revolutionary War brought new changes to American society, during the Critical Period the new nation was challenged with an inefficient government. -Post Revolutionary War changes -Articles of Confederation -Constitutional Convention -Ratification

  2. I. Post Revolutionary War Changes A. Social Changes • Less conservative • More egalitarian • Cincinnati Society • Anti-slavery somewhat • Republican motherhood • Separation of Church/State • VA Statute on Religious Freedom, 1786 • State governments evolve • Constitutional convention • Fundamental law • All: BofR & weak EX and JU • Economic Challenges • 1780’s depression • Foreign Trade Barriers

  3. II. Articles of Confederation • Need for a Constitution • CC had no constitutional authority • Ratification dragged on, 1781 • Provisions • Congress chief agency • Each state single vote • Bills required 2/3 vote • Amendments consent • Strengths • Western Expansion a. Land and Northwest Ordinances • Weaknesses (intentional) • Couldn’t regulate commerce or tax • Newburgh Conspiracy, 1783 • Shay’s Rebellion, 1786 • State bickering

  4. III. The Constitutional Convention • Annapolis Convention, 1786 • Philadelphia Convention, 1787 • Objective? • Issues • Representation • Large (proportional representation) v. Small states (equal representation) • Executive Branch • Electoral College • Slavery • 3/5’s Compromise, Slave Trade, Fugitive Slave laws • Commerce • Principles of Government • Checks and Balances • The “elastic clause” • The “Supremacy Clause” • Conservative Safeguards • No Bill of Rights

  5. IV. Ratification • Debates in state conventions • NH (1788) • VA a. James Mason • NY • The Federalist Papers • federalists • Well-educated, seaboard. • AofC weak, support strong central/national government, no need for Bill of Rights. • anti-federalists 1. Back country farmers, ill-educated, and debtors • AofC was good, opposed strong central/national government, wanted Bill of Rights.

  6. Articles of Confederation Loose Confederation 1 legislative vote per state 2/3 vote for bills No Congressional power over commerce No congressional power to tax No federal courts Unanimity of states for amendment Constitution Firm federation At least 3 legislative votes Simple majority for bills Congress regulate commerce Congress can tax Federal courts Amendments less difficult More Conservative Strengthening of the Federal Government?

  7. Practice: Putting Things in Order __ Fifty-five “demi-gods” meet secretly in Philadelphia to draft a new charter of government. __ The first American national government, more a league of states than a real government, goes into effect. __ At the request of Congress, the states draft new constitutions based on the authority of the people. __ The Constitution is ratified by the nine states necessary to put it into effect. __ Debtor farmers fail in a rebellion, setting off conservative fears and demands for a stronger government to control anarchy.

  8. Answers 4, 2, 1, 5, 3

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