The Articles of Confederation and
the Constitution1776-1790
State constitutions shared many
similarities. Weak executive and judicial branches
(Why?) Stronger legislative branches
Contract between the people and their government.
Represented fundamental laws. States moved capitals westward. Why?
State Constitutions
Adopted in 1777 by 2nd
Continental Congress, not ratified (approved) by all thirteen states until 1781.
Issues with ratification: Land-hungry states
would have to raise taxes while land-rich states could sell land to pay debts.
Articles of Confederation 1777
Loose bond between the thirteen states for the
purpose of common issues (foreign affairs). No executive branch, judicial branch left up to the
states, weak legislative branch. 1 state-1 vote (why would this make VA angry?) All states had to agree to amend the Articles Silver lining: Because it was so weak and difficult
to amend, it was scrapped altogether and replaced by the current Constitution.
“Articles of Confusion”
1. Could not regulate commerce
Different states with different tariffs Some placed duties on other states! Ex: NY
taxed firewood imported from Connecticut
2. Could not enforce tax collection Each state would voluntarily pay taxes. Only received ¼ of funds
2 Biggest Issues
Old Northwest
territory north of the Ohio River.
Land surveyed and sold to pay off national debt.
Much more orderly than land south of the Ohio River.
Land Ordinance of 1785
Colonies or states? First, these areas would
be subordinate to the federal government.
After reaching 60,000 citizens, they could become a state.
No slavery permitted. Model for the future…
Northwest Ordinance 1787
Daniel Shay and other American Revolutionary
Veterans living in the Massachusetts back country were losing farms to the bank.
Wanted lighter taxes and to temporarily suspend property takeovers.
Followers gathered muskets, but were put down by a privately funded (by the wealthy) army.
“mobocracy” Why is this significant?
Shay’s Rebellion
Congress agreed to allow the convention
to meet “for the sole purpose of… revising” the Articles of Confederation.
55 representatives from 12 states. Rhode Island was an independent party
pooper, as usual. Sessions held in secret without many
revolutionary leaders. George Washington was chairman. Ben
Franklin, James Madison (“Father of the Constitution”) and Alexander Hamilton were all there.
1787 Convention: Philadelphia, Penn
Preserve and strengthen the “young republic” Strong executive figure who could control
tariffs and military. Preserve the union from “mobocracy” (Ex:
Shay’s Rebellion)
Goals for the Constitution
1. President was not elected by popular vote,
but by the Electoral College.2. Senators were chosen by state legislatures,
not by the people. 3. Judges could be appointed for life.
Limits on Direct Democracy: The ghost of
Daniel Shays
-Usually lived in coastal regions-Wealthier-Wanted a strong central government-Ben Franklin, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison
Fede
ralis
tsAntifederalists
-Mostly living on the frontier-Poorer classes-Believed individual rights were at risk: no Bill of Rights-Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry
Federalists vs. Antifederalists