The Constitutional Convention

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "The Constitutional Convention"

Transcription

1 The Constitutional Convention The newly-elected 112th Congress made history on January 6, For the first time ever, members read the U.S. Constitution aloud on the floor of the House of Representatives. Immediately, debate in the media and public erupted over the political motivations behind the gesture, and even the form it took. Congress decided to omit portions of the original Constitution that were later amended. That means, for instance, that the three-fifths compromise, which secured slavery in the nation until the Civil War, was left out of the reading. Should the ENTIRE document and all amendments have been read? Or did members do the right thing in reading the amended version? What motivated these members of Congress to do this? I have my viewpoint, and you probably have yours. Our viewpoints might coincide, and they might be completely in opposition to one another. One thing s certain most Americans have strong emotions and opinions about the U.S. Constitution. When our political take office they swear to uphold and defend the Constitution. When we say the pledge of allegiance, we are in essence doing the same thing. It is this historic document that provides the framework for our government, secures our rights and liberties, and binds us together as citizens. Yet the document also has flaws, has been open to interpretation, and has been a fountainhead of fierce political battles and human dramas. Learning about the U.S. Constitution is an essential element of any American Government class. In this course we ll be examining how this framework for government was established, the rights and liberties it enshrined, and how this framework for government and our rights and liberties have evolved over time. Before we do this, we should know a bit about the history of the document and the fifty-five men, who I ll call the Framers, who wrote it. Many of these individuals were some of the most important Founding Fathers of America. Some were leaders of the protest movements that developed before the Revolutionary War, others were participants in the 1st Continental Congress while others attended the 2nd Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence. Here are three main themes to this lecture: First, we ll trace the history and background to the writing of the Constitution in Philadelphia in Second, we ll take a look at the type of government the Framers established and consider democratic and undemocratic features of the original document. Third, we ll examine the role of compromise in creating the Constitution. Let s start by considering this question: What was the first form of government that the United States of America adopted? The correct answer is a confederacy. If you answered differently, you re not alone. Many Americans forget, or just don t know, that from the time of the American Revolution until 1789, the thirteen original states were governed under the Articles of Confederation. This is one of two periods in American history when a confederacy existed. The other time, of course, was from 1861 to 1865, during the Civil War, when southern states left the Union and declared themselves the Confederate States of Page 1 of 7

2 America. But let s return to the Constitution. This treasured document was written in 1787, four years after the end of the American Revolution, and it didn t go into effect until another two years later. The American Constitution was the first written constitution of its kind. A written constitution guaranteeing the establishment of a government as Abraham Lincoln would state many years late, of the people, for the people, and by the people truly was a revolutionary change. Obviously, our nation got off to a rocky start, and our first form of government was deficient. So before we begin discussing our Constitution, we need to take a close look at the road that led to the Constitutional Convention in Americans before the American Revolution had a great deal of experience with self-government. Prior to the 1750s, Britain gave her American colonies a lot of freedom. The mother country made decisions on foreign policy, and war, but left local governing to the colonists themselves. Royal governors were appointed by the crown, but they were generally weak figures with limited powers. American colonies also developed legislative bodies and adopted written constitutions. The first legislative body in America was the Virginia House of Burgesses, which was established in So, with the creation of this institution, along with signing of the Mayflower Compact in 1620, one can see the beginnings of democracy in America. Over the course of the next 150 years the American colonies grew economically and in population as more immigrants arrived and through natural population increase. The political systems of the colonies evolved to deal with new challenges of American life. Close ties with Britain were maintained but Americans also began to develop an independent streak. The relationship between the American colonies went through ups and downs, but things really began to change during French and Indian War in the 1750s and early 60s. Britain was in a serious struggle with France over control of North America. Although Britain won, the war was costly, plunging Britain into debt, and requiring monies to defend her new lands won from France. Britain tightened control over her American colonies, taxing them more heavily in the belief that they should pay more for their own defense. American colonists, many of whom had participated in the conflict, were also prohibited from expanding into the territory west of the Appalachian Mountains when the Proclamation of 1763 was adopted. This act was not popular in America. The King, Parliament, and royal governors increasingly took power from the colonists, threatening democratic traditions that had developed in the colonies. Actually, they were following a trend that was taking place in other European nations the concentration of power in a centralized government. American colonists, having developed a relatively independent spirit, were not willing to submit to the British efforts to exert more control. Therefore, the American Revolution was a reaction against this attempted centralization of power. In 1775 the Revolutionary War with Britain began when the opening shots were fired at the Battle of Lexington. In 1776, the Founding Fathers signed and formally issued the Declaration on July 4th as the representatives of 13 colonies at the Second Continental Congress pronounced that the colonies were now independent and free from British rule. During the American Revolution, the thirteen former colonies, now called states, had to co-ordinate military campaigns against Britain and steer foreign affairs. The day after the Second Continental Congress formed a committee to write the Declaration of Independence, it authorized another committee to draft a document outlining a government for the thirteen states. Let s pause for a minute for another question. Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence? Give yourself a pat Page 2 of 7

3 on the back if you answered Thomas Jefferson most of us are taught this beginning in grade school. Now a harder question. Who was the main author of the Articles of Confederation? The correct answer is John Dickinson of Pennsylvania and Delaware. Dickinson has unfortunately received second-billing when it comes to listing the main characters of A couple of other questions to consider: Who were the other members of the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence, and who was the 1st person to sign the Declaration? Another important document was adopted at this time, the Articles of the Confederation. The Articles of Confederation were written by Dickinson and his committee within a year, but didn t formally get accepted by all the states until 1781; still, they served as the structure for the national government from 1777 to It was this document which gave our country its name. The Articles state, The Stile of this Confederacy shall be 'The United States of America. 1 The document gave much power to the individual states and rejected the notion of a strong national government. So how did the national government operate under the Articles of Confederation? First of all, there was no executive, that is, a president. Americans wanted nothing to do with a king-like figure or one individual who could wrest power from the people. There was also no national judiciary, that is, no national court system. If one state had a dispute with another state, Congress settled the matter. Congress consisted of only one chamber. Each state had a small delegation in Congress, but each state, no matter how large or small, had only one vote. The delegates to Congress were not elected by the people from the state, but by the state legislatures. Congress had sole power over declarations of war and foreign relations. But it lacked the most basic and strongest power of all governments the power to tax. In order to raise money, Congress could only ask the state governments for funds, and the states often balked at the requests. During the American Revolution, George Washington was continually frustrated by the lack of funds that Congress gave to the Continental Army. And Congress had no real authority over interstate or international trade. A dire warning was issued by the nation s Board of Treasury in 1786 which stated...nothing...can rescue us from Bankruptcy, or preserve the Union of the several States from Dissolution. It became increasingly clear to leaders like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton that a stronger national government was needed. The event that won some state leaders to Madison s view was Shays Rebellion in This anti-tax rebellion by farmers in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary War veteran was a threat to political stability in Massachusetts and to the entire region of New England. Leaders soon realized that a more powerful federal government was needed in order to prevent challenges such as this to the new nation. Consult your text and online sources for more details on the importance of this rebellion. By 1786 it became evident that the nation was on the brink of bankruptcy and the Articles of Confederation had serious flaws that needed to be corrected. Delegates from all states except for Rhode Island agreed to meet in Philadelphia in May 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation. Rhode Island boycotted the meeting because it was satisfied with the current Articles and feared the erosion of democracy if the central government was strengthened. A total of 55 delegates from the other twelve states attended the meeting at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia during the summer of The first order of business was to elect a leader to preside over the meeting; the delegates chose George Washington of Virginia. They also decided to deliberate in complete secrecy. They didn t want either the American Page 3 of 7

4 public or foreign nations to make political fodder out of their disagreements, their debates, and discussions. Fortunately, James Madison kept detailed notes during the Convention, so we have a historical record of the deliberations. Let s also look at who didn t attend the Constitutional Convention. Neither Thomas Jefferson nor John Adams were there, since Jefferson was serving as Ambassador to France and Adams as Ambassador to Britain. Ben Franklin did attend as a delegate from Pennsylvania and he was the oldest of the 55 delegate at age Mount, Steve. The Articles of Confederation. U.S. Constitution Online. Within a week, the delegates decided to scrap the Articles of Confederation and write a new document. A common misconception about the Constitution is that is a completely original document, written by its framers in an atmosphere of almost supernatural inspiration. Nothing could be further from the truth. The delegates to the Constitutional Convention had documents and models to work with. Each state had its own written constitution. The Framers of the national Constitution borrowed ideas like the separation of powers from the state constitution of Massachusetts. The Pennsylvania constitution was a model for open government, since it required all bills to be published for public discussion far in advance of debate in the legislature. Virginia s constitution contained a bill of rights that guaranteed trial by jury and due process of law, religious liberty, and the rights to life, liberty, and property. The framers of the U.S. Constitution pored over the state constitutions, the Articles of Confederation, and various reports and documents from the states. In other words, they did their research! James Madison of Virginia was the most well-read of the delegates in political theory and history. His support of a stronger central government and his role in inspiring discussion and debate during the Convention have earned him the title of Father of the U.S. Constitution. 2 There are two important themes to remember when studying the Constitutional Convention. First, the Framers agreed to create a republican form of government, not a democracy. Secondly, the U.S. Constitution is a document born of compromise. The reality of compromise in which the Constitution was hammered out means the final document was far from flawless, but it also cemented the idea of compromise at the national level into the American political experience. Let s return to the first notion of democracy. Democracy in the 1700s had some negative connotations. The word comes from the Greek demos, meaning people and kratos, meaning power; demokratia in Greek meant rule of the people. Madison and other delegates knew their history and realized that pure democracy could trample the rights of minorities and lead to mob rule, as it had done in ancient Athens on several occasions. The delegates realized that a republic, or representative democracy, was more suited to a large, growing nation like the United States. In this form of government representatives of the people are elected to serve the interests of their constituents, but also to act as a brake on the possibility of mob rule. The only part of the national government directly elected by the people under the new Constitution was the House of Representatives. The Framers decided to follow Massachusetts lead and adopt the idea dividing up powers between three branches of government a national legislature (i.e. Congress), an Page 4 of 7

5 executive (the President) and a national judiciary (the federal court system). They were adding two new branches to government on the national level. Neither the President nor federal judges were to be directly elected by the people. In the case of the President, the Framers established the Electoral College, an indirect means of selecting the chief executive. Federal judges were to be appointed by the president, with the consent of the U.S. Senate. And who would be in the U.S. Senate? The Framers decided to scrap the idea of a one-chamber Congress, which they had under the Articles of Confederation. Instead, the new Congress would consist of two houses the upper house, or Senate, would be made up of two senators from every state, regardless of size or population. But the state governments, not the people of the state, would select who served in the U.S. Senate. This indirect means of choosing U.S. Senators stayed in place until 1913, when the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution allowed the people of states to directly elect their U.S. Senators. 2 Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, , Library of Congress. The only part of the national government directly elected by the people under the new Constitution was the House of Representatives. The Framers decided to follow Massachusetts lead and adopt the idea dividing up powers between three branches of government a national legislature (i.e. Congress), an executive (the President) and a national judiciary (the federal court system). This idea of divided government and separation of powers can be traced back further to the writings of the Baron de Montesquieu and the unwritten constitution of the United Kingdome of Great Britain. The delegates, influenced by the ideas of The Enlightenment were adding two new branches to government on the national level. Neither the President nor federal judges were to be directly elected by the people. In the case of the President, the Framers established the Electoral College, an indirect means of selecting the chief executive. Federal judges were to be appointed by the president, with the consent of the U.S. Senate. And who would be in the U.S. Senate? The Framers decided to scrap the idea of a one-chamber Congress, which they had under the Articles of Confederation. Instead, the new Congress would consist of two houses the upper house, or Senate, would be made up of two senators from every state, regardless of size or population. But the state governments, not the people of the state, would select who served in the U.S. Senate. This indirect means of choosing U.S. Senators stayed in place until 1913, when the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution allowed the people of states to directly elect their U.S. Senators. So we see that originally, the only body that was directly elected by the people under the new Constitution was the House of Representatives. Every state received a number of representatives to the House based on the population of the state more populous states received more representatives. The original Constitution left it up to the states to decide who was eligible to vote for their U.S. Representatives. In 1789, when the Constitution was ratified, most states allowed only white property owning men to vote; for instance, women were excluded from voting in every state except New Jersey. There, unmarried women who owned property were allowed to vote until 1809, when the New Jersey legislature closed the loophole and took away the right. Black men were outright excluded from voting in three states in 1789, and within a generation four other of the original thirteen states passed laws to exclude black voters. Property qualifications kept poor white and black men alike from voting in most Page 5 of 7

6 states. In the 1789 Election when George Washington became the first President, only 6% of the population of the U.S. voted. Most people would agree this is a far cry from mass democracy. These realities have led some Constitutional scholars like Robert Dahl of Yale University to point out that the Constitution contains a number of undemocratic features. The Framers had to deal with political realities they were creating a more powerful national government, but had to maintain some degree of sovereignty for the states; they were beholden to public opinion, especially that of landowning elites who were the movers and shakers in state and local circles. A new without these protections for state power would have been unlikely to receive enough support to pass. So the United States ended up with an indirect form of democracy, a republic, which gives small states, through the Electoral College and the Senate, power disproportionate to their populations. We ll look more closely at the Electoral College and the Senate in future lectures and discussion forums. Even though the Constitution has undemocratic features, the Framers provided four methods to amend the document. Several of the amendments correct the original flaws and expand democracy, however these corrections would come about much later in American history following many trials and tribulations. Ultimately, the Fifteenth and Nineteenth Amendments, respectively, gave black males and then women the right to vote. As mentioned before, the Seventeenth Amendment provides for the people to directly elect their U.S. Senators. Let s turn now to the second main feature of Constitutional Convention the fact that it produced a compromise document. The Framers quickly agreed to construct a republican form of government with a separation of powers between three branches a legislature, executive, and judiciary. On the other hand, disagreement and spirited debate arose during the Convention over three main issues: representation of states in Congress, slavery, and the structure and selection of the executive. Your text discusses these three areas of conflict in detail, so I won t repeat the essentials here. But I do want to comment on the debate over slavery at the Constitutional Convention, since that debate and its effects reverberate strongly throughout our nation s history. Nowhere in the Constitution is the word slavery mentioned. Slaves are referred to as persons held to labour or service or all other persons. Debate that arose over slavery in Philadelphia grew out of the debate over representation of states in Congress, not over the morality of slavery itself. The political reality was that southern delegates, who depended on slave labor, would not accept a Constitution which outlawed slavery. A number of delegates, like Washington and Madison, were slave-owners themselves. A prevailing view among them was that slavery was a harmful practice that they had inherited from colonial times. Some believed it was a dying institution which should and ultimately would be phased out over time by the individual states. Unfortunately, they were wrong. Slavery grew rapidly in the years after the Constitution was ratified, at least in part because of the invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney and the increasing profitability of the slave system. Some Southerners, like delegate James Mason from Virginia, believed the slave trade; that is, the importation and selling of slaves, was the real problem. Mason s comments during the Constitutional Convention reflect these ideas. Mason, himself an owner of slaves, stated: This infernal trafic [sic] originated in the avarice of British Merchants. The British government constantly checked the attempts of Virginia to put a stop to it. The present question concerns not the importing States alone but the whole Union. Slavery discourages arts & manufactures. The poor despise labor when performed by slaves. They prevent the Page 6 of 7

7 immigration of Whites, who really enrich & strengthen a Country. They produce the most pernicious effect on manners. Every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant. They bring the judgment of heaven on a Country. As nations cannot [sic] be rewarded or punished in the next world they must be in this. By an inevitable chain of causes & effects providence punishes national sins, by national calamities [It is] essential in every point of view that the Genl. Govt. should have power to prevent the increase of slavery. 3 Mason was clearly torn over the issue of slavery. His comments reveal that he found slavery repulsive, yet at the time of his death in 1792, he owned 36 slaves and didn t free a single one of them in his will. As a result, Mason and the other delegates agreed that the international slave trade, or the importation of slaves to the United States from Africa and other regions, would be discontinued beginning in The debate over slavery, and the resulting compromises over this issue, would ultimately have a dramatic impact upon the American political system. First was the debate over whether or not the slave population would be counted in calculating representation in the national legislature, the House of Representatives. The number of representatives that each state would receive in the House of Representatives was based upon the total population of the state. Southern state representatives naturally wanted to count their slaves, while most northern delegates opposed counting slaves. The debate was settled with the adoption of the Three-Fifths Compromise. So, with this agreement the population of slaves would be counted as three-fifths in total population for the apportioning Representatives. In addition, this would be the standard for awarding Presidential electors and for tax purposes as well. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention basically wanted to establish a new system of government that would protect individual liberties and power at the state level, while at the same time enhance the power of the central government. They also wanted to provide a framework for government that would serve the nation well over the long term. The Constitution they created, while certainly not a perfect document, has survived the test of time. 3 George Mason s Views on Slavery. Gunston Hall. Rue Wood, Bruce Dickerson, and Indian Hills Community College Page 7 of 7

Chapter 2: The Beginnings of American Government

Chapter 2: The Beginnings of American Government Chapter 2: The Beginnings of American Government United States Government Fall, 2017 Origins of American Political Ideals Colonial Period Where did ideas for government in the colonies come from? Largely,

More information

Creating a Nation Test Review

Creating a Nation Test Review Creating a Nation Test Review Question #1: Multiple Choice The Northwest ordinance of 1787 is important because. A. It sent troops to the Northwest to protect the colonies from Native Americans. B. It

More information

Ch. 2.1 Our Political Beginnings. Ch. 2.1 Our Political Beginnings. Ch. 2.1 Our Political Beginnings. Ch. 2.1 Our Political Beginnings

Ch. 2.1 Our Political Beginnings. Ch. 2.1 Our Political Beginnings. Ch. 2.1 Our Political Beginnings. Ch. 2.1 Our Political Beginnings Ch. 2.1 Our Political Beginnings The US government has its roots in English history Limited Government The concept that government is limited in what it can and cannot do Representative Government Government

More information

Constitutional Convention Unit Notes

Constitutional Convention Unit Notes Constitutional Convention Unit Notes Civics Textbook: Government and Society - Text p. 5 Cue four reasons why society needs a government Notes 1. Law and Order Government makes laws to protect citizens

More information

Chapter 25 Section 1. Section 1. Terms and People

Chapter 25 Section 1. Section 1. Terms and People Chapter 25 Terms and People republic a government in which the people elect their representatives unicameral legislature a lawmaking body with a single house whose representatives are elected by the people

More information

Essential Question Section 1: The Colonial Period Section 2: Uniting for Independence Section 3: The Articles of Confederation Section 4: The

Essential Question Section 1: The Colonial Period Section 2: Uniting for Independence Section 3: The Articles of Confederation Section 4: The Essential Question Section 1: The Colonial Period Section 2: Uniting for Independence Section 3: The Articles of Confederation Section 4: The Constitutional Convention Chapter Summary Content Vocabulary

More information

Creating the Constitution

Creating the Constitution Creating the Constitution 1776-1791 US Timeline 1777-1791 1777 Patriots win Battles of Saratoga. Continental Congress passes the Articles of Confederation. 1781 Articles of Confederation go into effect.

More information

During the, the majority of delegates voted to declare independence from Britain. What is known as the official beginning of the America Revolution?

During the, the majority of delegates voted to declare independence from Britain. What is known as the official beginning of the America Revolution? What is known as the official beginning of the America Revolution? A. The Stamp Act B. Boston Tea Party C. Quartering Act D. Battle of Lexington and Concord During the, the majority of delegates voted

More information

Ratification. By March 1781, all 13 Colonies had ratified the Articles of Confederation, making it the official written plan of government.

Ratification. By March 1781, all 13 Colonies had ratified the Articles of Confederation, making it the official written plan of government. The Goal To form a confederation of states - A Firm League of Friendship To continue the form of government established by the Second Continental Congress Ratification By March 1781, all 13 Colonies had

More information

Name Class Date. MATCHING In the space provided, write the letter of the term or person that matches each description. Some answers will not be used.

Name Class Date. MATCHING In the space provided, write the letter of the term or person that matches each description. Some answers will not be used. Origins of American Government Section 1 MATCHING In the space provided, write the letter of the term or person that matches each description. Some answers will not be used. 1. Idea that people should

More information

Guided Reading Activity

Guided Reading Activity Guided Reading Activity Lesson 1 Government in Colonial America Review Questions Directions: Read each main idea. Use your text to supply the details that support or explain each main idea. A. Main Idea:

More information

TEKS 8C: Calculate percent composition and empirical and molecular formulas. Articles of Confederation. Essential Question:

TEKS 8C: Calculate percent composition and empirical and molecular formulas. Articles of Confederation. Essential Question: Articles of Confederation Essential Question: Why was the central government s power too weak under the Articles of Confederation? Objectives Discuss the ideas that guided the new state governments. Describe

More information

Chapter 2 TEST Origins of American Government

Chapter 2 TEST Origins of American Government US Government - Ried Chapter 2 TEST Origins of American Government 1)The Magna Carta was originally intended to protect the rights of which group? A. religious leaders B. kings and queens C. common people

More information

Constitutional Convention Unit Notes

Constitutional Convention Unit Notes Constitutional Convention Unit Notes Civics Textbook: Government and Society - Text p. 5 Cue four reasons why society needs a government Notes 1. Law and Order Government makes laws to protect citizens

More information

CHAPTER 2 NOTES Government Daily Lecture Notes 2-1 Even though the American colonists got many of their ideas about representative government and

CHAPTER 2 NOTES Government Daily Lecture Notes 2-1 Even though the American colonists got many of their ideas about representative government and CHAPTER 2 NOTES Government Daily Lecture Notes 2-1 Even though the American colonists got many of their ideas about representative government and freedom from England, that country has no written constitution.

More information

LECTURE 3-3: THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION AND THE CONSTITUTION

LECTURE 3-3: THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION AND THE CONSTITUTION LECTURE 3-3: THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION AND THE CONSTITUTION The American Revolution s democratic and republican ideals inspired new experiments with different forms of government. I. Allegiances A.

More information

OUR POLITICAL BEGINNINGS

OUR POLITICAL BEGINNINGS CHAPTER 2 Origins of American Government SECTION 1 OUR POLITICAL BEGINNINGS The colonists brought with them to North America knowledge of the English political system, including three key ideas about government.

More information

Basic Concepts of Government The English colonists brought 3 ideas that loom large in the shaping of the government in the United States.

Basic Concepts of Government The English colonists brought 3 ideas that loom large in the shaping of the government in the United States. Civics Honors Chapter Two: Origins of American Government Section One: Our Political Beginnings Limited Government Representative government Magna Carta Petition of Right English Bill of Rights Charter

More information

Chapter Two: Learning Objectives. Learning Objectives. The Constitution

Chapter Two: Learning Objectives. Learning Objectives. The Constitution 1 Chapter Two: The Constitution Learning Objectives 2 Explain the impact of events in the early settlements, including Jamestown (representative assembly) and Plymouth (social contract) on later political

More information

Grade 7 History Mr. Norton

Grade 7 History Mr. Norton Grade 7 History Mr. Norton Section 1: A Loose Confederation Section 2: The Constitutional Convention Section 3: Ideas Behind the Constitution Section 4: Ratification and the Bill of Rights Grade 7 History

More information

Why do you think the Framers organized the new country as a republic, when most countries in the world (in 1783) were ruled by a king or queen?

Why do you think the Framers organized the new country as a republic, when most countries in the world (in 1783) were ruled by a king or queen? NAME: Date: U.S. History CHAPTER 7 PACKET ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: 1. What is a constitution? 2. What is a republic? 3. What was the Articles of Confederation? 4. How was state and national power divided under

More information

[ 2.1 ] Origins of American Political Ideals

[ 2.1 ] Origins of American Political Ideals [ 2.1 ] Origins of American Political Ideals [ 2.1 ] Origins of American Political Ideals Key Terms limited government representative government due process bicameral unicameral [ 2.1 ] Origins of American

More information

Chapter 2:4 Constitutional Convention

Chapter 2:4 Constitutional Convention Chapter 2:4 Constitutional Convention Psa_119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Objectives: 2:4 Our Political Beginnings o Students will examine the process that

More information

Chapter 2. Government

Chapter 2. Government Chapter 2 Government The way the United States government is organized, its powers, and its limitations, are based on ideas about government that were brought to these shores by the English colonist. Three

More information

the states. decisions within its own borders) 1. A central government that would represent all 2. State sovereignty (the power to make

the states. decisions within its own borders) 1. A central government that would represent all 2. State sovereignty (the power to make The United States has operated under two constitutions. The first, The Articles of Confederation, was in effect from March 1, 1781. The Articles tried to balance two very different ideas: 1. A central

More information

Foundations of American Government

Foundations of American Government Foundations of American Government Government The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies made up of those people who have authority and control over other people public

More information

CHAPTER TWO EARLY GOVERNANCE AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

CHAPTER TWO EARLY GOVERNANCE AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK CHAPTER TWO EARLY GOVERNANCE AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK CHAPTER OVERVIEW Chapter 2 begins by introducing some of the most basic terms of political and economic systems: government and politics; democracy

More information

Origins of American Government. Chapter 2

Origins of American Government. Chapter 2 Origins of American Government Chapter 2 Section 1 Essential Questions 1) What two principles of government came from the English heritage of the colonists? 2) What documents from England influenced the

More information

Colonies Become States

Colonies Become States Colonies Become States Colonies already had their own individual governments before the 1776 Declaration 11 of 13 colonies had State Constitutions Constitution a document that states rules under which

More information

From Revolution to Government

From Revolution to Government From Revolution to Government The Second Continental Congress declared independence from Britain in 1776. The Revolutionary War lasted from 1775 to 1783. Congress developed a new government for America:

More information

Section 8-1: The Articles of Confederation

Section 8-1: The Articles of Confederation Name: Date: Chapter 8 Study Guide Section 8-1: The Articles of Confederation 1. A constitution is a set of basic principles and laws, usually in written form, that state the powers and duties of a government.

More information

How Shall We Govern Ourselves?

How Shall We Govern Ourselves? How Shall We Govern Ourselves? The Articles of Confederation America s First Constitution What kind of government would the FREEDOM loving Americans create to balance LIBERTY with enough AUTHORITY to get

More information

Unit #1: Foundations of Government. Chapters 1 and 2

Unit #1: Foundations of Government. Chapters 1 and 2 Unit #1: Foundations of Government Chapters 1 and 2 Principles of Government Chapter 1 Chapter 1, Sec 1 What is Government? Government is the institution through which a society makes and enforces its

More information

Ch. 8: Creating the Constitution

Ch. 8: Creating the Constitution Ch. 8: Creating the Constitution The Articles of Confederation After declaring independence from Britain in 1776, Congress tried to unite the states under one national government. However, many feared

More information

What were the Articles of Confederation? What did America do to create a stronger government in the 1780s?

What were the Articles of Confederation? What did America do to create a stronger government in the 1780s? 2.3 Articles of Confederation What were the Articles of Confederation? Why were the 1780s a critical period in United States history? What did America do to create a stronger government in the 1780s? Section:

More information

The Founding of American Democracy By Jessica McBirney 2016

The Founding of American Democracy By Jessica McBirney 2016 Name: Class: The Founding of American Democracy By Jessica McBirney 2016 The American colonies rose up in 1776 against Britain with the goal of becoming an independent state. They sent the King of England

More information

Once a year, each state would select a delegation to send to the capital city.

Once a year, each state would select a delegation to send to the capital city. In November 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. This was a plan for a loose union of the states under Congress. Once a year, each state would select

More information

#1 State Constitutions

#1 State Constitutions #1 State Constitutions The American Revolution began the process of creating a new nation in a number of different ways. On May 10, 1776, the Continental Congress directed the colonies to suppress royal

More information

3. Popular sovereignty - Rule by the people - People give their consent to be governed by government officials - People have the right to revolution

3. Popular sovereignty - Rule by the people - People give their consent to be governed by government officials - People have the right to revolution Unit I Notes Purposes of Government - Maintain social order - Provide public services - Provide security and defense - Provide for the economy - Governments get authority from: o Their legitimacy o Ability

More information

Chapter 6. APUSH Mr. Muller

Chapter 6. APUSH Mr. Muller Chapter 6 APUSH Mr. Muller Aim: How is the New Republic tested? Do Now: Thus I consent, sir, to this Constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure that it is not the best. The opinions

More information

The Coming of Independence. Ratifying the Constitution

The Coming of Independence. Ratifying the Constitution C H A P T E R 2 Origins of American Government 1 SECTION 1 SECTION 2 SECTION 3 SECTION 4 SECTION 5 Our Political Beginnings The Coming of Independence The Critical Period Creating the Constitution Ratifying

More information

New Nation. establishing the government of the US during the 1780s & 1790s

New Nation. establishing the government of the US during the 1780s & 1790s New Nation establishing the government of the US during the 1780s & 1790s CREATING THE CONSTITUTION From the Articles of Confederation to the Bill of Rights (1780s) The Articles of Confederation After

More information

American Government. Unit 2 Study Guide

American Government. Unit 2 Study Guide American Government Unit 2 Study Guide Events leading up the Declaration of Independence: 1) Stamp Act- a tax placed on all printed material a. An attempt to earn money lost in the French and Indian War

More information

CHAPTER 2 ORIGINS OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT SECTION 1: OUR POLITICAL BEGINNINGS

CHAPTER 2 ORIGINS OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT SECTION 1: OUR POLITICAL BEGINNINGS CHAPTER 2 ORIGINS OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT SECTION 1: OUR POLITICAL BEGINNINGS OUR POLITICAL BEGINNINGS Basic Concepts of Government Early settlers brought ideas of government or political systems with them.

More information

The Critical Period The early years of the American Republic

The Critical Period The early years of the American Republic The Critical Period 1781-1789 The early years of the American Republic America after the War New Political Ideas: - Greater power for the people Republic: Represent the Public America after the War State

More information

4 th Grade U.S. Government Study Guide

4 th Grade U.S. Government Study Guide 4 th Grade U.S. Government Study Guide Big Ideas: Imagine trying to make a new country from scratch. You ve just had a war with the only leaders you ve ever known, and now you have to step up and lead.

More information

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation 1 The Articles of Confederation Approved by Congress on November 15, 1777, Congress sent to the states for ratification the Articles of Confederation. This was the first governing constitution for the

More information

ELEMENT C: Explain the key features of the Constitution, including the Great Compromise, limited government, and the Three-Fifths Compromise.

ELEMENT C: Explain the key features of the Constitution, including the Great Compromise, limited government, and the Three-Fifths Compromise. SSUSH5: INVESTIGATE SPECIFIC EVENTS AND KEY IDEAS THAT BROUGHT THE ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION ELEMENT C: Explain the key features of the Constitution, including the Great

More information

VUS. 5 (pt.1): Building a New Nation: The Constitutional Convention

VUS. 5 (pt.1): Building a New Nation: The Constitutional Convention Name: Date: Period: VUS 5 (pt1): Building a New Nation: The Constitutional Convention Notes US 5 (pt1): Building a New Nation: The Constitutional Convention 1 Objectives about VUS5: Building a New Nation

More information

CREATING A GOVERNMENT

CREATING A GOVERNMENT Let us not be afraid to view with a steady eye the dangers with which we are surrounded. Are we not on the eve of a war, which is only to be prevented by the hopes from this convention? CREATING A GOVERNMENT

More information

3: A New Plan of Government. Essential Question: How Do Governments Change?

3: A New Plan of Government. Essential Question: How Do Governments Change? 3: A New Plan of Government Essential Question: How Do Governments Change? The Constitution s Source Guiding Question: From where did the Framers of the Constitution borrow their ideas about government?

More information

GOVT 2305: THE ORIGINS OF A NEW NATION:

GOVT 2305: THE ORIGINS OF A NEW NATION: GOVT 2305: THE ORIGINS OF A NEW NATION: 1. MERCATILISM (1700s) Private business and economy should benefit the colonial masters the British Crown The British maintained strict control of import/export

More information

The Constitutional Convention

The Constitutional Convention The Constitutional Convention Problems like Shay s Rebellion revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation This event convinced many U.S. citizens that our 1 st written plan of government needed

More information

Read the Federalist #47,48,& 51 How to read the Constitution In the Woll Book Pages 40-50

Read the Federalist #47,48,& 51 How to read the Constitution In the Woll Book Pages 40-50 Read the Federalist #47,48,& 51 How to read the Constitution In the Woll Book Pages 40-50 The Origins of a New Nation Colonists from New World Escape from religious persecution Economic opportunity Independent

More information

WARM UP. 1 Using the information from yesterday or new information collected using your ipad create a bubble map on the Constitutional Convention

WARM UP. 1 Using the information from yesterday or new information collected using your ipad create a bubble map on the Constitutional Convention WARM UP 1 Using the information from yesterday or new information collected using your ipad create a bubble map on the Constitutional Convention 2 Include people, dates, locations, facts and other information

More information

2. Divided Convention. 3. Inside the Constitution. Constitution replaced the Articles---becomes the law of the land.

2. Divided Convention. 3. Inside the Constitution. Constitution replaced the Articles---becomes the law of the land. 2. Divided Convention notes7 9/13 states needed to ratify (to approve) Political parties begin Federalists: supported the Constitution The Federalist ---essays support Constitution Anti-Federalists: against

More information

Unit 2 Part 2 Articles of Confederation

Unit 2 Part 2 Articles of Confederation Unit 2 Part 2 Articles of Confederation Explain how the states new constitutions reflected republican ideals. Describe the structure and powers of the national government under the Articles of Confederation.

More information

The British did not even stay for the official portrait at the Treaty of Paris in 1783!

The British did not even stay for the official portrait at the Treaty of Paris in 1783! Creating a Republic The British did not even stay for the official portrait at the Treaty of Paris in 1783! The treaty ending the war with Britain, more than doubled the territory of the United States!

More information

Chapter 3 Constitution. Read the article Federalist 47,48,51 & how to read the Constitution on Read Chapter 3 in the Textbook

Chapter 3 Constitution. Read the article Federalist 47,48,51 & how to read the Constitution on   Read Chapter 3 in the Textbook Chapter 3 Constitution Read the article Federalist 47,48,51 & how to read the Constitution on www.pknock.com Read Chapter 3 in the Textbook The Origins of a New Nation Colonists from New World Escape from

More information

End of American Revolution and Creation of American government

End of American Revolution and Creation of American government End of American Revolution and Creation of American government American Revolution concludes, an independent nation develops, 1781. Articles of Confederation ratified by states March 1781 - framework for

More information

U.S. Constitution PSCI 1040

U.S. Constitution PSCI 1040 PSCI 1040 Purposes of a Constitution Organize and empower the government Limit the powers of government. Many consider limited government to be the essence of constitutional government. 2 Articles of Confederation

More information

HIST 1301 Part Two. 6: The Republican Experiment

HIST 1301 Part Two. 6: The Republican Experiment HIST 1301 Part Two 6: The Republican Experiment The States and the Confederation 1776-1788 During the Revolution, state Governments formed first. 2 min. 40 sec. Each state had a written constitution. Each

More information

The British did not even stay for the official portrait at the Treaty of Paris in 1783!

The British did not even stay for the official portrait at the Treaty of Paris in 1783! Creating a Republic The British did not even stay for the official portrait at the Treaty of Paris in 1783! The treaty ending the war with Britain, more than doubled the territory of the United States!

More information

Constitution Unit Test

Constitution Unit Test Constitution Unit Test Eighth Amendment Excessive fines cannot be imposed. Excessive bail cannot be required. 1. Which sentence completes this diagram? A. People cannot be forced to be witnesses against

More information

Chapter Two: The Constitution

Chapter Two: The Constitution Chapter Two: The Constitution Learning Outcomes 1. Explain how the colonial experience prepared Americans for independence. 2. Discuss the restrictions that Britain placed on the colonies and the American

More information

The Birth of a Nation

The Birth of a Nation The Birth of a Nation The student will demonstrate an understanding of the conflicts between regional and national interest in the development of democracy in the United States. Analyze the impact of the

More information

Shays. Daniel Shay 1784 to 1785, unfair taxes, debt and foreclosure Farmer s rebellion to overthrow Mass. Govt.

Shays. Daniel Shay 1784 to 1785, unfair taxes, debt and foreclosure Farmer s rebellion to overthrow Mass. Govt. Shays Daniel Shay 1784 to 1785, unfair taxes, debt and foreclosure Farmer s rebellion to overthrow Mass. Govt. 1. Constitutional Convention: May to Sept. 1787 2. Divided Convention 9/13 states needed to

More information

The United States Constitution. The Supreme Law of the Land

The United States Constitution. The Supreme Law of the Land The United States Constitution The Supreme Law of the Land The Articles Prove Unstable Federal gov t could declare war and other foreign affairs Federal gov t have no power to collect taxes, relying only

More information

T H E C O N F E D E R A T I O N A N D T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N C H A P T E R 7 A P U S H I S T O R Y

T H E C O N F E D E R A T I O N A N D T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N C H A P T E R 7 A P U S H I S T O R Y T H E C O N F E D E R A T I O N A N D T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N C H A P T E R 7 A P U S H I S T O R Y LEARNING GOAL: Students will be able to explain the growth of the new governing systems in the

More information

Magruder s American Government

Magruder s American Government Presentation Pro Magruder s American Government C H A P T E R 2 Origins of American Government 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc. C H A P T E R 2 Origins of American Government SECTION 1 Our Political Beginnings

More information

Name: Date: Block: Notes:

Name: Date: Block: Notes: Chapter 2 Origins of American Government Section 1 a. Our Political Beginnings B. Basic Concepts of a. English brought idea of political system to America i. Ordered Government ii. iii. Restrict Government

More information

understanding CONSTITUTION

understanding CONSTITUTION understanding the CONSTITUTION Contents The Articles of Confederation The Constitutional Convention The Principles of the Constitution The Preamble The Legislative Branch The Executive Branch The Judicial

More information

Four reasons we need government

Four reasons we need government Four reasons we need government 1. Need for Law and Order - Government makes laws to protect citizens, and punishes those who break the law. Laws provide order in a society. This allows citizens to live

More information

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GOVT Limited Government & Representative Government September 18, Dr. Michael Sullivan. MoWe 5:30-6:50 MoWe 7-8:30

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GOVT Limited Government & Representative Government September 18, Dr. Michael Sullivan. MoWe 5:30-6:50 MoWe 7-8:30 Limited Government & Representative Government September 18, 2017 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GOVT 2305 MoWe 5:30-6:50 MoWe 7-8:30 Dr. Michael Sullivan TODAY S AGENDA Current Events Limited Government Representative

More information

The Beginnings of a New American Government

The Beginnings of a New American Government The Constitution The Beginnings of a New American Government Dissatisfaction grew with the Articles of Confederation as disagreements over control of waterways and trade developed. In 1785 the first meeting

More information

The Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers The Federalist Papers If men were angels, no government would be necessary. James Madison During the Revolutionary War, Americans set up a new national government. They feared a strong central government.

More information

New Nation. establishing the government of the US during the 1780s & 1790s

New Nation. establishing the government of the US during the 1780s & 1790s New Nation establishing the government of the US during the 1780s & 1790s CREATING THE CONSTITUTION From the Articles of Confederation to the Bill of Rights (1780s) The Articles of Confederation After

More information

Unit 7. Our First Government. Bellwork. Essential Questions (What I need to know):

Unit 7. Our First Government. Bellwork. Essential Questions (What I need to know): Unit 7 Our First Government Name Date Period Essential Questions (What I need to know): Date Bellwork Answer(s) 1. What is government? 2. How did the first United States government operate? 3. How did

More information

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION Objectives Why did the Constitutional Convention draft a new plan for government? How did the rival plans for the new government differ? What other conflicts required the Framers

More information

Name Per. 2. Identify the important principles and issues debated at the Constitutional Convention and describe how they were resolved.

Name Per. 2. Identify the important principles and issues debated at the Constitutional Convention and describe how they were resolved. Name Per CHAPTER 2 THE CONSTITUTION LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying Chapter 2, you should be able to: 1. Discuss the importance of the English philosophical heritage, the colonial experience, the Articles

More information

Quiz # 2 Chapter 2 The United States Constitution

Quiz # 2 Chapter 2 The United States Constitution Quiz # 2 Chapter 2 The United States Constitution 1. Equality was the goal of the a. French Revolution. b. American Revolution. c. both the French and the American Revolutions. d. neither the French nor

More information

Major Problem. Could not tax, regulate trade or enforce its laws because the states held more power than the National Government.

Major Problem. Could not tax, regulate trade or enforce its laws because the states held more power than the National Government. The Constitution Major Problem Could not tax, regulate trade or enforce its laws because the states held more power than the National Government. Why? Feared a government like King George The Constitutional

More information

Land Ordinance of 1785

Land Ordinance of 1785 Unit 3 SSUSH5 Investigate specific events and key ideas that brought about the adoption and implementation of the United States Constitution. a. Examine the strengths of the Articles of Confederation,

More information

The Constitution I. Considerations that influenced the formulation and adoption of the Constitution A. Roots 1. Religious Freedom a) Puritan

The Constitution I. Considerations that influenced the formulation and adoption of the Constitution A. Roots 1. Religious Freedom a) Puritan The Constitution I. Considerations that influenced the formulation and adoption of the Constitution A. Roots 1. Religious Freedom a) Puritan Theocracy (1) 9 of 13 had state church b) Rhode Island (1) Roger

More information

A More Perfect Union. Chapter 7 Lesson 1 The Articles of Confederation

A More Perfect Union. Chapter 7 Lesson 1 The Articles of Confederation A More Perfect Union Chapter 7 Lesson 1 The Articles of Confederation 1. Eleven of the thirteen states adopted state constitutions. Connecticut and Rhode Island kept its colonial charter as its constitution

More information

1. How did the colonists protest British taxes? Pg They boycotted, petitioned the English government, and signed nonimportation

1. How did the colonists protest British taxes? Pg They boycotted, petitioned the English government, and signed nonimportation Topic 3 1. How did the colonists protest British taxes? Pg 88-89 They boycotted, petitioned the English government, and signed nonimportation agreements 2. How did the British respond to the Boston Tea

More information

The Constitutional Convention formed the plan of government that the United States still has today.

The Constitutional Convention formed the plan of government that the United States still has today. 2 Creating the Constitution MAIN IDEA The states sent delegates to a convention to solve the problems of the Articles of Confederation. WHY IT MATTERS NOW The Constitutional Convention formed the plan

More information

SSUSH5 A, B, C & D Creating a New Government

SSUSH5 A, B, C & D Creating a New Government SSUSH5 A, B, C & D Creating a New Government The Articles of Confederation Formally called the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, this agreement was created by the leaders of the original thirteen

More information

Underpinnings of the Constitution

Underpinnings of the Constitution Underpinnings of the Constitution A constitution is a nations basic laws creates political institutions assigns and divides power in government provides certain guarantees to citizens includes unwritten

More information

Constitutional Principles (4).notebook. October 08, 2014

Constitutional Principles (4).notebook. October 08, 2014 Bell Ringers Mrs. Salasney Homework Objective: Students will describe the conflicts facing the governing of the new nation 2 Which action by the British government was considered by American colonists

More information

Conceived in Liberty. 5th Grade Social Studies Textbook

Conceived in Liberty. 5th Grade Social Studies Textbook Conceived in Liberty 5th Grade Social Studies Textbook Chapter 9 Creating the Constitution Chapter 9 Creating the Constiution When the American people won their independence, they had to decide what kind

More information

The constitution supercedes ordinary law even when the law represents the wishes of a majority of citizens.

The constitution supercedes ordinary law even when the law represents the wishes of a majority of citizens. AP Government Chapter 2 The Constitution The constitution supercedes ordinary law even when the law represents the wishes of a majority of citizens. The Constitution is this nation s basic law: It creates

More information

AIM: How did the Articles of Confederation impact the U.S.?

AIM: How did the Articles of Confederation impact the U.S.? AIM: How did the Articles of Confederation impact the U.S.? Do Now: How do you think Hale Charter Academy would function if we got rid of the assistant principal, and the dean, and we allowed the individual

More information

Ch. 6 Creating the Constitution /EQ:

Ch. 6 Creating the Constitution /EQ: Ch. 6 Creating the Constitution /EQ: 6.1 Introduction Like Washington, most Americans did not want to be ruled by a monarch. What they did want, though, was an effective government. Articles of Confederation,

More information

Creators of the Constitution

Creators of the Constitution Creators of the Constitution After the Revolutionary War, the thirteen former colonies joined together and in November 1777 formed a new government that was bound by an agreement called the Articles of

More information

Chapter 9: The Confederation and the Constitution,

Chapter 9: The Confederation and the Constitution, APUSH CH 9+10 Lecture Name: Hour: Chapter 9: The Confederation and the Constitution, 1776-1790 I. From Confederation to Constitution A. The Articles of Confederation: An Attempt at Constitution-Making

More information

A More Perfect Union. Use the text to answer each question below.

A More Perfect Union. Use the text to answer each question below. Name Date A More Perfect Union Use the text to answer each question below. 1. John Locke was a 17th-century English philosopher who formulated important theories about governments and humankind. Locke

More information

Articles of Confederation

Articles of Confederation Articles of Confederation Do Now How is power divided in our country today? SWBAT Analyze government problems under the Articles of Confederation Activity Review the Articles of Confederation chart and

More information

The United States Constitution. The Supreme Law of the Land

The United States Constitution. The Supreme Law of the Land The United States Constitution The Supreme Law of the Land Standards SSUSH5 The student will explain specific events and key ideas that brought about the adoption and implementation of the United States

More information

The Constitutional Convention. Chapter 2 Section 4

The Constitutional Convention. Chapter 2 Section 4 The Constitutional Convention Chapter 2 Section 4 Constitutional Convention May 1787 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 74 delegates allowed, 55 attended, 39 signed final Delegates to the Convention Had lots of

More information