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Creating the Constitution 1781-1789 . Chapter 5: Section 1. Which statement do you agree with most?. A. a strong central government poses a serious threat to personal liberties B. A strong central government offers the best protection for personal liberties
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Creating the Constitution1781-1789 Chapter 5: Section 1
Which statement do you agree with most? • A. a strong central government poses a serious threat to personal liberties • B. A strong central government offers the best protection for personal liberties • C. A strong central government is possible only if personal liberties are sacrificed • D. A strong central government is not needed to protect personal liberties
Objectives • A. Explain how the states’ new constitutions reflected republican ideals • B. Describe the structure and powers of the national government under the Articles • C. Summarize Congress’s plan for the settlement and governance of Western lands • D. List the main weaknesses of the Articles
Powerful states and weak governments would eventually face severe problems
Early State Governments • Republic • Disagreement over proper design of government • Democracy power with people • Conservatives preserve many colonial institutes
Democratic Patriots • Wanted to create a state government with strong legislators and weak/no governor • Unicameral Legislature • PA; GA
Conservative Patriots • Had more conservative constitutions; strong governor • Bicameral Legislature • ME; NY
Freedom of Religion • Essentially guaranteed after the Revolutionary war • Used to be controversial • Came about with the Passage of Virginia Statute for religious freedom in 1786 • Drafted by Thomas Jefferson • Excluded MA and CT
Articles of Confederation • Congress drafted Articles in 1777 for the union of the states • Under John Dickinson of PA • Congress designed a loose confederation of 13 states, rather than a strong centralized government
Articles of Confederation • Reflected the principles of the Declaration • Rejected the centralized power of the British Empire as a threat to liberty • Federal structure of new national government • The Articles granted certain limited powers to Congress • Able to declare and conduct war and to negotiate peace, to regulate foreign affairs, and to administer relations with Indian nations