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The Constitution. I. The Articles of Confederation. During the Revolution, the states realized that a central government was needed. I am BIG. I will crush you!!!. NO! You are too powerful!. A. Creating a New Government. X.
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The Constitution I. The Articles of Confederation
During the Revolution, the states realized that a central government was needed.
I am BIG. I will crush you!!! NO! You are too powerful! A. Creating a New Government X • States did not want a strong central government because of their experience with King George and Britain. Also, they did not want any single state to become too powerful.
B. The Articles of Confederation • The first attempt at an American constitution • It created a weak government with no king or president. • It was just a loose alliance of states.
C. A.O.C.: Powers and Problems • Congress could: • make laws • create a national army • coin money • set up a postal system • Congress could not: • enforce laws • raise taxes (i.e. pay the army)
D. Problems in Massachusetts • In 1787 states needed to repay war debts. What would king George III do in a case like this? • Mass. decided to collect taxes based on land ownership. • Farmers were hit hard. Their land was sometimes taken away.
The government was not working. The rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were not being protected.
According to the Declaration of Independence, governments that do not protect these rights should be overthrown. Would someone actually try to OVERTHROW the new United States?
E. Shays’ Rebellion • Daniel Shays led a rebellion and shut down the courts to prevent any more farmers from losing their land. • The Rebellion lasted more than 3 months. This proved that the new government was too weak under the AOC.
THUD Summary Summary Part I