Our First Constitutionthe Articles of Confederation 1777 1787

Our First Constitution—the Articles of Confederation (1777 -1787) So, what were the Articles, what kind of government did they establish, and what was so wrong with them that they had to be replaced?

Okay, what’s a confederation again? • A group of states loosely tied together • Weak central govt • Strong state governments

Articles of Confederation (1777 -1787) • 13 states operated like semiindependent countries • Agreed to cooperate on some things

The Articles of Confederation (1777 -1787) How many branches of government were there in this first government of the U. S. ? Only one weak branch of government— a nearly powerless congress No chief executive No national judicial branch

Why did the Articles Fail? • States quarreling • Vulnerability

Why Did the Articles Fail? • Shay’s Rebellion

Constitutional Convention When: May-Sept. 1787 Where: Philadelphia, PA

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

Key Figures President of the Convention: George Washington “Father of the Constitution”: James Madison

Which of these Founding Fathers Attended the Convention? John Adams, Patrick Henry, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson Not There: • Thomas Jefferson • John Adams • Patrick Henry Definitely There: • Benjamin Franklin • Alexander Hamilton

Article I of the Constitution • Creates a Legislative Branch (Congress) to make laws • Congress has two parts: --House of Representatives (based on population) --U. S. Senate (2 per state)

Article II of the Constitution • Sets up an Executive Branch (President)

Article III of the Constitution • Sets up a national Judicial Branch with a Supreme Court

“Checks & balances”

Check for Understanding: Answer on your note paper • What was the U. S. government like under the Articles of Confederation? • How did Shay’s Rebellion make people realize that the Articles of Confederation were ineffective?

Summary • At first, the Founding Fathers purposely created a weak government—the Articles of Confederation-- to protect hard-won freedoms • It soon became clear for many reasons that a much stronger government was needed • The Constitution was—and is—the plan of government that the Founding Fathers created