1)What are the 3 key concepts of Republicanism?
2)What were the 3 basic issues debated when drafting the Articles of Confederation?
3)What makes the Articles of Confederations weak?
With the person sitting next to you, discuss…
BELL RINGERLook in your notes if you must…
Objectives1) Describe Shay’s Rebellion
and what that represented.
2) Summarize the key conflicts at the Constitutional Convention.
3) Outline the form of government that the U.S. Constitution established.
From Weakness to Failure…
Why the Articles of Confederation Failed
Country lacked any national unity
• Each state functioned independently
9 of 13 had to agree to pass a new law
All states had to agree on an amendment
No one to enforce the laws (executive branch)
Didn’t recognize differences in populations
Problems with foreign nations, states had little
concern for the nation as a whole
• Especially with Spain and England
Huge debt from Revolutionary War
Congress could not enact or collect taxes
Congress could not regulate foreign trade
Huge debt from farmers
Shay’s Rebellion (1787) showed a serious problem. With so
many farmers willing to rebel, panic spread through the new
nation. James Madison & Alexander Hamilton called for a
convention to discuss the problems.
Political Economic
Back to the Drawing Board…After Shay’s Rebellion, it is evident that changes must be made. In may of 1787, 12 of the 13 states meet
in Philadelphia to figure out the changes that needed to me made to the Articles of Confederation. They soon realized they have to form a new government.
Key Issues at the
Constitutional Convention
Slavery IssuesWill slaves count as
people?
3/5th Compromise3/5th of a state’s
slaves will count for population
Big VS Small StatesThe Great Compromise
Bi-cameral Legislature • #1 based on
population• #2 has 2 per state
New Government Structure
FEDERALISM – divided power between the state and federal governmentsSeparation of Powers – 3 Branches, keeps one branch from getting too much power
The Great CompromiseVirginia Plan New Jersey
Plan
You need to remember FEDERALISM like Dory remembers P. Sherman 42 Wallaby way
Sydney!!
What is Federalism?
VS
Taking Up SidesFederalists Antifederalists Supported the Constitution
Included George
Washington & James
Madison
Heavy support from cities,
skilled workers, merchants,
and laborers
Small states and areas with
weak economy supported
the idea of a stronger
central government
Opposed the Constitution
Included Samuel Adams
and Patrick Henry
Supported from rural areas
People thought it would
add to their taxes
Large states and areas with
stronger economies had
greater freedom under the
Articles of Confederation
A war of words resulted in public debates. The Federalist Papers appeared in newspapers defending the Constitution. Letters from the Federal Farmer appeared as
a counter to the Papers. Most newspapers favored the Federalists.
AntifederalistAgainst the Constitution
FederalistFor the Constitution
Ratifying the Constitution
Antifederalists had a strong argument
against the Constitution. It lacked a “Bill of
Rights” which is a formal summary of
citizens’ rights.
People demanded a Bill of Rights to ease their fear of a strong central
government. They wanted written guarantee of freedom of speech,
press, religion
For many states ratification depended on the presence of a
Bill of Rights. The states recommended
80 amendments, then it was narrowed
to just 10.
First 10 Amendments = Bill of Rights• 1-8 concern personal liberties• 9th asserts that rights are not limited to those
specifically mentioned• 10th affirms that people and states have power
not specifically given to the national government
The Constitution is ratified and the new
government becomes a reality in 1789, however Rhode
Island did not ratify until 1790
Closure1) Describe Shay’s Rebellion
and what that represented.
2) Summarize the key conflicts at the Constitutional Convention.
3) Outline the form of government that the U.S. Constitution established.