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Chapter 2 Section 3 Civics Notes. January 1776 New Hampshire became the first colony to organize as a state and draft a constitution By 1780 the other colonies had followed ü Each State had: - A legislature (most bicameral) - A governor - Judges and courts
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Chapter 2 Section 3 Civics Notes • January 1776 New Hampshire became the first colony to organize as a state and draft a constitution • By 1780 the other colonies had followed • üEach State had: - A legislature (most bicameral) - A governor - Judges and courts Most state constitutions included a bill of rights.
The Massachusetts Constitution • Unusual in three ways • 1. Distributed power more evenly between the legislature, governor and courts • 2. Governor and courts had authority to check legislature • 3. Was created by elected delegates • Became an important model for the U.S. Constitution
The Articles of Confederation • Colonies realized they would be no match for the British unless they united under one central government. • 1777-The Articles of Confederation becomes the first Constitution of the United States. • Set up one-house legislature where each state had one vote. • Under Articles Congress had no power to enforce laws or to tax
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation • By 1781 all 13 states had ratified the Articles of Confederation • There were a few weaknesses with the Articles. • Congress could not pass a law unless 9 states voted in favor of it • To amend it, would require a unanimous vote of all 13 states
Weaknesses Continued • Congress had no power to enforce laws • SEE PAGE 41 CHART “ Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
A Shaky National Government • The United States was able to overcome weaknesses and win the Revolutionary War • Peace treaty signed with British called Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 • The Country was in serious financial trouble
Shaky Government Continued -Had to borrow money for war, couldn’t collect taxes. -State governments were also in deep debt -State governments taxed their citizens as a result driving many farmers out of business
More about the Shaky Government • States also taxed goods from other states or countries hurting trade • Government could also not do anything about the publics insecurity. • During 1786 and 1787 riots broke out in several states • üShay’s Rebellion- Daniel Shay and 1200 other armed farmers into an uprising
Shaky Government • üAlthough quickly stopped it was a wake up call to the country. -By 1787, 12 of the states sent delegates to a meeting in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation