Confederation and the Constitution Confederation In the Declaration

Confederation and the Constitution

Confederation • In the Declaration of Independence, Americans looked to form a REPUBLIC: a government in which citizens rule through elected representatives. • Second Continental Congress in 1781 set up Articles of Confederation, an alliance among the 13 states to work together.

Problems with the Articles of Confederation ü Each state got 1 vote regardless of population ü Any changes in articles must be approved by all states ü No executive branch or legal branch to enforce laws. ü Each state still acting as individuals, not as a unified country.

National Debt caused troubles • America had huge debt from revolution. States raised taxes, hurting farmers. • Daniel Shay led farmers to force courts to stop them from taking away land to pay debts. Quickly put down, killing 4 farmers. • Shay’s Rebellion made people see need for a stronger national government.

Compromise • How do you have fair representation of both large and small states? • James Madison wanted 2 separate houses, both based on population. Smaller states opposed it • The Compromise was for 2 houses, one based on population (House of Representative) and one on having equal representation of each state (Senate)

The 3/5 Compromise • Southern States wanted Slaves to count in population for house of representatives • Northerners, who had few slaves, argued against it. • Compromise said 3/5 of Shame on you, slave population would be America! counted, or slaves = 3/5 a regular person

Separation of Powers • To limit authority of national government, they created 3 branches of government. • LEGISLATIVE: Congress. Job is to Make laws • EXECUTIVE: President. Job is to carry out laws. • JUDICIAL: Supreme Court. Job is to hear cases

Checks & Balances • They established this three branch system so that one group couldn’t dominate the other two.

Electoral College • When electing a president, Delegates feared putting too much power in hands of the people. • Each state would choose electors based on number of senators & congressmen • This Electoral College would then elect the president. We Know! • Still used today

Ratifying the Constitution

Federalists vs. Anti-federalists FEDERALISTS • Wanted a balance of power between states and central government • The Federalist Papers told why there should be a central gov. • Madison, Hamilton, & Jay ANTI-FEDERALISTS • Opposed strong, central government, so they opposed the constitution • Letters from a Federal Farmer told why no central gov. • Protect freedom of press, religion, other rights

Bill of Rights • All individual states guaranteed rights of individual citizens • Anti-federalists wanted a written guarantee in the constitution – Feared big government • Federalists said not necessary, but relented • Bill of rights spells out individuals rights in the constitution

Know your rights! First Amendment guarantees citizens to freedom of • religion, • speech, • the press • political activity

Know your rights! • 2 nd Amendment gives citizens the right to bear arms as members of the militia • 3 rd Amendment says government can not put troops in your house during times of peace

Know your rights! • 4 th Amendment says government cannot search you or your home without a warrant

Good stuff to Know • • • Articles of Confederation Shay’s Rebellion 3/5 compromise Electoral College Federalist Papers Letters from a Federal Farmer • What were some problems with the Articles of Confederation? • What are three branches of government? What are their jobs? • Federalists vs. Antifederalists: what are the differences.