CHAPTER 6 Toward a More Perfect Union 1783

Politics and Change in the New Republic n In the Articles of Confederation, the

North America in 1783 © 2004 Wadsworth, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Thomson

Challenges to the Confederation n Inability to tax becomes major problem n Congress lacks

Northwest Ordinances n Congress passes Northwest Ordinances to regulate settlement there n n n

Western Land Cessions, 1782 -1802 © 2004 Wadsworth, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

Land Ordinance of 1785 © 2004 Wadsworth, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Thomson

The Northwest Territory and the Rectangular Survey

Political and Economic Turmoil n English demands for payment in specie and imposition of

The Movement for Constitutional Reform n Philadelphia Convention of May 1787 addresses nation’s problems

Constitutional Reform (cont. ’d) n Convention decisions n establishment of electoral college n balance

Web Ratification of Constitution © 2004 Wadsworth, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Thomson

Discussion Questions n Analyze the Articles of Confederation. What issues did they fail to

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CHAPTER 6 Toward a More Perfect Union, 1783 - 1788 Web

Politics and Change in the New Republic n In the Articles of Confederation, the federal government was an agent of the states n Most power was in the hands of states and their strong republican state constitutions n Women get little attention from new government Republican motherhood n Judith Sargent Murray n n Growing abolition movement in North indicates future problems for Union n Religious freedom of expression grows, but religious tests for public office remain common

Challenges to the Confederation n Inability to tax becomes major problem n Congress lacks ability to discharge debt n Newburgh Conspiracy n Demobilization of troops is additional problem n Congress faces large war debt n Robert Morris proposed the Bank of the United States n Created in 1781, it was seen by some as tool of commercial elite n John Jay negotiated with Spain on issue of ports n Americans forced to adopt policy changes dealing with Native Americans n Theyendanerea (Joseph Brant)

Northwest Ordinances n Congress passes Northwest Ordinances to regulate settlement there n n n Three ordinances passed (1784, 1785, and 1787) Speculators, like Ohio Company, purchased land rights from Natives and federal authorities Provide means for distributing land Government hoped to raise revenue Establish guidelines formation of new states 1787 Ordinance grants citizens’ rights and prohibited slavery from region

The Northwest Territory and the Rectangular Survey

Political and Economic Turmoil n English demands for payment in specie and imposition of state taxes overburden ordinary Americans n Farmers feel left out of decision-making n Massachusetts farmers join Shays’ Rebellion Daniel Shay n Riot Act of Massachusetts n Government troops dispersed Shay’s forces n Disqualification Act n

The Movement for Constitutional Reform n Philadelphia Convention of May 1787 addresses nation’s problems n Constitutional Convention in the fall sets out to establish a workable government Virginia Plan/ bicameral houses, lower house elected upper house, appointed executive and judicial branch n New Jersey/ one-house, equal representation, expanded Congressional powers n “Great compromise” expands role of federal government, combined elements of other plans n

Constitutional Reform (cont. ’d) n Convention decisions n establishment of electoral college n balance of power in Congress n provision for using population for both representation and taxation n Three-Fifths Compromise n Debate over ratification divides Americans n Federalists prevail The Federalist n In June 1788, with New Hampshire ratification, Constitution adopted

Discussion Questions n Analyze the Articles of Confederation. What issues did they fail to address? n Examine the causes and consequences of Shay’s Rebellion. n How did the Northwest Ordinance affect the lives of natives and Americans? n Compare the plans presented at the Constitutional Convention. What compromise was finally adapted?