Building a New Nation

From Confederation to a Federation

Engage: What was the purpose of creating the Constitution?

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Why did the people of the United States feel the need to FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION?

We will: learn the purpose, effectiveness and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

I Will: construct a thesis and prove an argument that one provision of the Constitution of the United States would help address a problem facing the United States in the 1780’s & reflects Enlightenment thinking.

Lesson A: Time Line 1775-1783: American Rev. being fought

1776: Continental Congress adopts Declaration of  Independence

1777: Continental Congress adopts the Articles of  Confederation

1786: Shays Rebellion

1787: Constitutional Convention drafts the Constitution

1789: Constitution is ratified by 9 of the 13 states

1789: GW is elected President

Lesson A: Types of Government

ApplyIf your family was a government structure what kind would it be? (Assume Parents = Central Gov't -- Kids = States)

a. Unitaryb. Confederationc. Federal

Be ready to explain your conclusion please.

Lesson B: Textbook ReadingTurn to page 62-65