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The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. 1776-1790. State Constitutions. State constitutions shared many similarities. Weak executive and judicial branches (Why?) Stronger legislative branches Contract between the people and their government. R epresented fundamental laws .

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The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

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  1. The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution 1776-1790

  2. State Constitutions • State constitutions shared many similarities. • Weak executive and judicial branches (Why?) • Stronger legislative branches • Contract between the people and their government. • Represented fundamental laws. • States moved capitals westward. Why?

  3. Articles of Confederation 1777 • Adopted in 1777 by 2nd Continental Congress, not ratified (approved) by all thirteen states until 1781. • Issues with ratification: • Land-hungry states would have to raise taxes while land-rich states could sell land to pay debts.

  4. “Articles of Confusion” • Loose bond between the thirteen states for the purpose of common issues (foreign affairs). • No executive branch, judicial branch left up to the states, weak legislative branch. • 1 state-1 vote (why would this make VA angry?) • All states had to agree to amend the Articles • Silver lining: Because it was so weak and difficult to amend, it was scrapped altogether and replaced by the current Constitution.

  5. 2 Biggest Issues 1. Could not regulate commerce • Different states with different tariffs • Some placed duties on other states! Ex: NY taxed firewood imported from Connecticut 2. Could not enforce tax collection • Each state would voluntarily pay taxes. • Only received ¼ of funds

  6. Land Ordinance of 1785 • Old Northwest territory north of the Ohio River. • Land surveyed and sold to pay off national debt. • Much more orderly than land south of the Ohio River.

  7. Northwest Ordinance 1787 • Colonies or states? • First, these areas would be subordinate to the federal government. • After reaching 60,000 citizens, they could become a state. • No slavery permitted. • Model for the future…

  8. Shay’s Rebellion • Daniel Shay and other American Revolutionary Veterans living in the Massachusetts back country were losing farms to the bank. • Wanted lighter taxes and to temporarily suspend property takeovers. • Followers gathered muskets, but were put down by a privately funded (by the wealthy) army. • “mobocracy” • Why is this significant?

  9. 1787 Convention: Philadelphia, Penn • Congress agreed to allow the convention to meet “for the sole purpose of… revising” the Articles of Confederation. • 55 representatives from 12 states. • Rhode Island was an independent party pooper, as usual. • Sessions held in secret without many revolutionary leaders. • George Washington was chairman. Ben Franklin, James Madison (“Father of the Constitution”) and Alexander Hamilton were all there.

  10. Goals for the Constitution • Preserve and strengthen the “young republic” • Strong executive figure who could control tariffs and military. • Preserve the union from “mobocracy” (Ex: Shay’s Rebellion)

  11. Limits on Direct Democracy: The ghost of Daniel Shays • President was not elected by popular vote, but by the Electoral College. • Senators were chosen by state legislatures, not by the people. • Judges could be appointed for life.

  12. Federalists vs. Antifederalists -Mostly living on the frontier -Poorer classes -Believed individual rights were at risk: no Bill of Rights -Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry

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