Post on 22-Apr-2015
description
Why was there a need for a new government in
1787?
The Articles of Confederation
State governments
The First American
Government
The Articles of Confederation
– the first American constitution(a framework for a government) –
confederation - a loose alliance of states with a weak central
governmentJohn DickinsonJohn Dickinson
The Articles of Confederation
Powers of the National GovernmentDeclare WarMake Peace
Sign TreatiesBorrow Money
Establish an Army & NavyOrganize a Post Office
What worked under the Articles?
Victory in the Revolution
The Treaty of Paris
Settlement of Western Lands
The Articles of Confederation
ProblemsNational gov’t had no power over the states –
states didn’t have to follow national agreements or resolutions
No national executive, no national judicial branch
Could not tax – could only ask for money, and states didn’t have to pay
The Articles of Confederation
ProblemsEvery state had its own currency – yikes!
9/13 to pass a law – tough!
13/13 to amend the Articles
Could not regulate interstate trade or relations between states
Foreign countries weren’t respecting the new government
The Mount Vernon Conference
The Annapolis Convention
Shays’ Rebellion
An invitation …
THE THE FEDERAL FEDERAL
CONVENTIOCONVENTIONN
May, 1787
PENNSYLVANIA STATE HOUSE
Who?74 delegates from 12 states were chosen
55 attended at one time or
another
Who were “The Framers”?Most of the 55 delegates knew and respected each
other 3 had been at the Stamp Act Congress, 1765
8 had signed the Declaration of Independence42 had served in the First and/or Second Continental
Congresses, and/or the Confederation Congress30 fought in the Revolutionary War
2 would be US Presidents, 1 would be a Vice President
7 had been governors, 9 would be governors8 were judges; 2 would be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
2 were college presidents29 were college graduates
34 had practiced law20 helped write their state's constitutions
18 had worked or studied abroad - many were fluent in Latin, French, and other languages
Most were prosperous lawyers, businessmen, and plantation owners
Average age – 42
Who were “The Framers”?
WHY?
“for the sole and express purpose of revising the
Articles of Confederation”