The Declaration of Independence Whats in the Declaration

The Declaration of Independence

What’s in the Declaration? • The colonists told Great Britain that they were a separate, independent nation. • They complained about the king and his treatment of the colonists. • It DID NOT make laws for new government. • Instead, the Declaration created a framework for the kind of government the Founding Fathers wanted to create.

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION, 1781 -89 • America’s 1 st FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Problems with the Articles of Confederation • It created an UNICAMERAL CONGRESS -(One lawmaking house) • It did not include an EXECUTIVE OR JUDICIAL BRANCH. • It created a WEAK CENTRAL government and a WEAK UNION OF 13 SEPARATE STATES. – NO POWER TO TAX – NO POWER TO REGULATE INTERSTATE TRADE. – NO POWER TO MAINTAIN AN ARMY

Problems with the Articles of Confederation • Shay’s Rebellion and other rebellions showed that the federal government did not have enough control. • Each state was operating like a separate country. • A stronger federal government was needed!

The United States Constitution

The Constitutional Convention • May 25, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. • George Washington presided over the Convention. • James Madison from Virginia won the name, “Father of the Constitution. ” • Sept. 17, 1787 - 39 delegates signed. – It was provided that the Constitution would go into effect as soon as 9 states ratified it.

Ratification and Amending • Needed 9 of 13 to ratify (pass) • 1788 - eleven states ratified the constitution. • 1789 -New Government began functioning. • 1791 -American Bill of Rights was added – First 10 Amendments to the Constitution.

Characteristics of the Constitution • Three Branches of Government – Checks and Balances • Bicameral Legislative branch • Power to tax and regulate interstate trade • Centralized power

Bicameral Legislature – 2 lawmaking houses Senate – 2 representatives from each state House of Representatives – based on population of state

Capitol Building – Washington D. C. where the law-making magic happens