New Nation The foundation our government can be

New Nation The foundation our government can be traced to three documents: The Mayflower Compact The Declaration of Independence The Constitution (including the Bill of Rights)

Mayflower Compact • The Mayflower Compact: • When the pilgrims were still on the Mayflower, anchored off of Massachusetts they knew they need to have a plan for a government for their new settlement. The men on the ship help a meeting and wrote a plan for a new government. This plan was called the Mayflower compact. It was the first time these people were going to govern themselves and not be under rule of a king or queen.

Declaration of Independence • Document explaining why the colonists should be free from British rule • http: //www. earlyamerica. com/independenc e. htm

Constitution • Before the Constitution the Continental Congress wrote a plan of government called the Articles of Confederation. • The Articles of Confederation called for a weak National Government (why would they want a weak National Government) • By the middle 1780’s the weak government was causing problems the states were not working together, and people started to worry the United States might not survive.

Constitution • In 1787 representatives from all over the United States met at the Constitutional Convention. • This was a meeting to set up a new plan of government • Constitution is a written plan of government • The United States Constitution was signed in September of 1787.

United States Constitution • The constitution starts with an introduction or preamble • The Preamble starts with the words “We the people…” • This introduction or Preamble states the goals of the Constitution • These goals are: form a strong nation, to protect peoples freedom, and improve people’s lives. • Rest is a plan for the government.

Plan of government • Plan called for three separate parts or branches of government • Each branch of government would share the power so no one group or person would have too much power. • (why do you think the leaders didn’t want any one group to have too much power? )

Three Branches of Government • Executive – (President) enforces the laws, commands armed forces, acts as head of state, makes treaties • Legislative – (Congress) makes the laws, sets taxes, declares war • Judicial – (courts) interprets the laws (decides if they are fair), Interprets Constitution

Bill of Rights • In 1791 a section of the Constitution was added or amended • An amendment is an addition • The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the constitution that states basic rights people of the United States have • 13 th amendment ended slavery • 19 th amendment gave women the right to vote

First President • General George Washington was chosen as the first President of the United States • At this time the Capital of the United States was New York City • In 1790 Capital was moved to Philadelphia

Important New Yorkers • Alexander Hamilton named by Washington as the Secretary of the Treasury (takes care of the nations money) John Jay named by Washington as a chief justice or head judge of the Supreme Court