From the Articles to the Constitution

The first constitution of the United States

Created by the original 13 states Adopted March 1, 1781 and remained

until March, 1789 Very weak because the states feared

one central power

Western Massachusetts citizens could not pay their debt

Foreign and interstate trade laws were complicated under the Articles

Many people lost jobs Farmers were unable to sell their

goods at a decent price People were put in jail and their land

was seized for not paying taxes

Daniel Shay (former Captain in the Continental Army) took up arms and lead 1200 farmers in a revolt against the MA government

The rebellion focused on a building used for storing weapons

He weapons were owned by the national government, but the protestors didn’t care

The national government was weak and couldn’t do anything

Massachusetts was able to call up a militia to put down the revolt

Four protestors died in the fighting Showed a need for a strong central

government

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: May 25, 1787

Delegates met to fix the Articles They ended up creating an entirely

new document The new law of the United States was

framed in 1787 and ratified by all of the states in 1789

The new document was fluid and has been modified and amended

James Madison Thomas Jefferson

“I am persuaded myself that the good sense of the people will always be found to be the best army…They may be lead astray for a moment, but will soon correct themselves.”

-Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 1787

“Has it not…invariably been found that momentary passions, and immediate

interests, have a more active and imperious control over human conduct

than general or remote considerations of policy, utility or justice?”

-Alexander Hamilton, Federalist #16

Anti-Federalists did not want to ratify the constitution because:

It gave too much power to the national government at the expense of the state governments

There was no Bill of Rights – or guaranteed rights The national government could maintain armies in

peacetime Congress wielded too much power The executive branch held too much power Leaders: James Wilson, Patrick Henry, George

Mason, Thomas Jefferson

Federalists wanted the constitution ratified because: The separation of powers protected the rights of

the people Each branch represents a different aspect of the

people All three branches are equal, no one can assume

control over another If the national government were to list specific

rights, what would stop it from violating the rights not listed?• Since we cannot list them all, we shall list none

Leaders: John Jay, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton