Constitutional Era – 1787 – Creation of the U.S. Government

1. This era evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and understands the need for a new government. • Issues and compromises that were addressed at the Constitutional Convention. • Establishment of the U.S. Constitution through compromises and influences from past documents (Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, and the English Bill of Rights) • Federalists and Anti-Federalists • Individual rights are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and how these amendments pleased the Anti-Federalists Constitutional Era – 1787 – Creation of the U.S. Government

2. Philadelphia Convention 1787 • Great Compromise • 3/5s Compromise • Federalist and Anti-Federalist points of view • Federalist Papers Bill of Rights Identify the major events of the Constitutional Time Period

3. Writing of the United States Constitution Significance of 1787

4. *Written during the American Revolution *Occurred at the Second Continental Congress (1776) *Created a new form of government for the independent colonies *one branch, a Congress, including one representative from each of the former colonies *Articles created a “firm league of friendship” where “each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence Articles of Confederation : Issues Surrounding Important Events of the American Revolution

5. Representation • Virginia Plan: large state plan that proposed representation on population size • New Jersey Plan: small state plan that proposed equal representation among all states • Compromise Great Compromise: Constitution resulted in a two-house legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate maintaining equal representation from all states Issues of the Constitututional Convention – Representation

6. Issue • How slaves should be counted regarding population and taxation. • Compromise Three-Fifths Compromise: three-fifths of the slave population would be counted when setting direct taxes on the states and three-fifths ratio would also be used to determine representation in the legislature Issues of the Constitutional Convention – Slavery

7. Federalists – argued for a stronger national government because under the Articles of Confederation, the weak national government set the United States up for failure. Anti-Federalists – argued that states’ rights should remain powerful over key issues; remained the opinion that we fought the Revolution to get away from strong central government; desired to protect individual liberties Compromise: the U.S. Constitution is ratified and the Bill of Rights is added Arguments for and Against Ratification of the Constitution

8. 1215; Runnymede, England • Limited the power of the King of England • This document influenced the United States’ Constitution • The Constitution limits the power of the central government • Trial by jury An innocent man cannot be put into jail without a trial Magna Carta

9. 1689 • Limited the power of the King • Listed individual rights of the people that could not be taken away by the King This document influenced the United States’ Constitution Bill of Rights English Bill of Rights

10. 1620 • Written by the Pilgrims • An agreement that established majority rule and self-government • The Pilgrims pledged to remain loyal to Great Britain Mayflower Compact

11. A series of essays written in support of the United States Constitution. Focused on the need for a strong central government with restricted (limited) powers. • Supported separation of powers and checks and balances. Written by: Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison Federalist Papers

12. A series of essays written against the United States Constitution. • Feared a strong central government • Felt the Constitution lacked protection for individual rights Written by: Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry Anti – Federalist Papers

13. States’ rights (a result of a strong fear of a tyrannical leader) • Confederation of states with equal voice in Congress Congress had power to make war and peace, sign treaties, raise an army and navy, print money, and set up a postal system Strengths of the Articles of Confederation

14. No national taxes – no way to raise national money to pay an army, navy, or other national interests; had to ask the states for money which was often ignored • No federal court system – no way to settle disputes between the states • Lack of a strong federal government – reduced ability to settle disputes over state boundaries • No power to regulate commerce – arguments about taxes on goods that crossed state borders • No federal leader – no Executive to lead the country Limited military = no protection Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

15. An armed rebellion of farmers in Massachusetts led by Daniel Shays. Showed that the government could not keep order and a stronger form of national government was needed Shay’s Rebellion

16. Colonial Grievances Addressed in the U.S. Constitution

17. Supporters of the United States Constitution. • Argued for a stronger national government. Under the Articles of Confederation the weak national government set the United States up for failure. Federalists

18. Wanted to go beyond the stated powers of the Constitution. Used the “necessary and proper” clause to justify forming a National Bank that was necessary and proper for the United States economy to develop. Served as a delegate from New York at the Constitutional Convention. Leading member of the Federalists. Alexander Hamilton

19. Authored the first 10 Amendments (the Bill of Rights) to compromise the Anti-Federalists Known as “the Father of the Constitution” Helped write the Federalist Papers with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton James Madison

20. Against the Constitution Argued that states’ rights should remain powerful over key issues Kept the opinion that we fought the Revolution to get away from strong central government Believed that the Constitution should protect individual rights Anti-Federalists

21. Was so opposed to the idea of a stronger national government that he refused to attend the Philadelphia Convention because he “smelled a rat”From Virginia • Had been an influential leader against England with his “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech. Patrick Henry

22. Leader of the Anti-Federalists. Believed in the need to restrict governmental power and supported protection of individual rights. Served as a delegate from Virginia at the Constitutional Convention. Made over 130 speeches against the Constitution. George Mason

23. 1st – Freedom of Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly, and Petition to the Government 2nd – Bear Arms 3rd – No quartering troops during times of peace 4th – search and seizure 5th – due process of law; not to be tried twice for the same crime (double jeopardy); right not to testify against yourself 6th – right to a speedy and public trial 7th – right to a trial by jury in civil trials 8th – right not to have excessive bail and/or punishment 9th – rights of the people 10th – rights left to the states to decide Rights Guaranteed in the Bill of Rights

24. Freedom of speech and press allow for the protection of individual rights; freedom to express information, ideas, and opinions free of government restrictions based on content Importance of Free Speech

25. Representatives are elected by the people to serve the people Republicanism

26. *1620-1691 -Plymouth Colony – self-governing, with each congregation independent and electing its own pastor and officers *17th century-Mass. Bay Colony – democratic in that they elected ministers and other officials; church closely tied to state government *1631-Roger Williams founded Rhode Island; 1636 church and state separated *1681-1776 – Penn’s Frames of Government guaranteed religious freedom to all settlers in Pennsylvania *1689 – Toleration Acts; Maryland is founded for Catholics *1791 – Bill of Rights guaranteed freedom of religion from government interference Development of Religious Freedom in the United States

27. Americans have the right to worship however they choose • The government does not have the right to interfere with religious beliefs Sets up for official separation of church and state Impact of the First Amendment Guaranteeing Freedom of Religious Freedom on the American Way of Life

28. Example of American Art during the Constitutional Time Period

29. Judges are appointed for life making them independent of executive control. Article II of the Constitution How the U.S. Constitution Reflects Principles of Government

30. Limited Government The Constitution creates a limited government in which everyone, including all authority figures must obey the laws. Constitutions, statements of rights, or other laws define the limits of those in power so that they cannot take advantage of their elected, appointed, or inherited positions. How the U.S. Constitution Reflects Principles of Government

31. System that does not allow anyone branch of the government to have too much power. Example: the President can veto legislation passed by Congress; Congress can override the veto. The Senate confirms major appointments made by the President, and the courts may declare acts passed by Congress unconstitutional Checks and Balances

32. Federalism

33. Separation of Powers

34. All political power rests with the people. The people can create, alter, and abolish government. People express themselves through voting and free participation in government. Popular Sovereignty

35. The Constitution can be changed or amended when it is deemed necessary by the people to bring the document up to date. Congress or state conventions can propose an amendment. It then goes to the states to be approved. An amendment must have a 2/3 vote of Congress or state conventions and a ¾ vote of the states to be approved. Process of Changing the U.S. Constitution

36. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Freedom to associate Freedom of assembly Right to property Examples of Unalienable Rights

37. Name given to the individuals who played a major role in declaring independence, fighting the Revolutionary War, or writing and adopting the Constitution of the United States Thomas Jefferson : George Washington • Alexander Hamilton : John Adams Benjamin Franklin : James Madison Founding Fathers

38. Involvement in a community Those with civic virtue go a step beyond their obligations by taking an active role in improving the community in the experiences of other members of the community. Civic Virtue