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The Critical Period (1781-1787)

The Critical Period (1781-1787). Unit 2: The Constitution of the United States (1783-1791). Forming New Governments. After the war we had two tasks: 1) Restructuring colonial governments and 2) Forming a national government

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The Critical Period (1781-1787)

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  1. The Critical Period (1781-1787) Unit 2: The Constitution of the United States (1783-1791)

  2. Forming New Governments • After the war we had two tasks: 1) Restructuring colonial governments and 2) Forming a national government • Major Influences: 1215-Magna Carta (Parliament), 1689-English Bill of Rights (Limited Government), the Enlightenment, the Mayflower Compact, English and Colonial Tradition, Greek and Roman ideals, and Judeo-Christian traditions • We had to create states 1st, then a United States. Which task was more difficult?

  3. The Articles of Confederation • Written in 1777 and adopted in 1781 – the 13 United States adopted their first constitution- The Articles of Confederation based on powers of old Continental Congress. • It created a “Firm League of Friendship” with a weak national government. Like an alliance. • The 13 states held the real power to govern. • The powers granted to the federal gov’t were limited. • It only lasted for 6 years (1781 – 1787).

  4. Why the Articles Failed? • Couldn’t regulate trade among states • Couldn’t impose tariffs • Couldn’t tax states • States coined their money (inflation) • No President • Each state = 1 Vote • 3/4 vote to pass laws (9/13 majority) • Amendment = Unanimous Vote

  5. The Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back! • Captain Daniel Shays’ Rebellion -(1786) Massachusetts • 1780’s Depression – Farmers couldn’t pay their debts • MA govt’t determined to impose taxes to pay state’s debts • 1200 farmers shut down the courts & took up arms to stop foreclosures. • Massachusetts sent the militia to suppress the rebellion.

  6. As a result, many Americans were convinced that the U.S. needed a new government!

  7. Exit Slip: The Critical Period • What was the name of the first government of the United States of America? • How did the Enlightenment help influence American beliefs about government? • Name one weakness of the new government that led to its failure? • His rebellion helped convince the founding fathers that a new government was needed?

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