Our First Constitutionthe Articles of Confederation (1777-1787)

Our First Constitutionthe Articles of Confederation (1777-1787)So, what were the Articles, what kind of government did they establish, and what was so wrong with them that they had to be replaced?

Okay, whats a confederation again?A group of states loosely tied together

Weak central govtStrong state governments

Articles of Confederation (1777-1787)13 states operated like semi-independent countries

Agreed to cooperate on some things

The Articles of Confederation (1777-1787)Only one weak branch of government

No chief executiveNo national judicial branchHow many branches of government were there in this first government of the U.S.?a nearly powerless congressWhy did the Articles Fail?States quarreling

VulnerabilityWhy Did the Articles Fail?Shays Rebellion

Constitutional ConventionWhen:May-Sept. 1787

Where:Philadelphia, PA

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

Key FiguresPresident of the Convention:George Washington

Father of the Constitution:James Madison

Which of these Founding Fathers Attended the Convention?Not There:Thomas JeffersonJohn AdamsPatrick Henry

Definitely There:Benjamin Franklin Alexander Hamilton

John Adams, Patrick Henry,Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson Article I of the ConstitutionCreates a Legislative Branch (Congress) to make lawsCongress has two parts: --House of Representatives (based on population) --U.S. Senate (2 per state)Powers of Congress--to regulate commerce--declare war--taxation--approves/disapproves presidents treatiesArticle II of the ConstitutionSets up an Executive Branch (President)QualificationsElection processElectoral CollegePowers of the President--commander-in-chief--can sign/veto laws--makes treaties with other nations

Article III of the ConstitutionSets up a national Judicial BranchCreates Supreme Court, Other federal courtsTerm of officeCan rule that acts of Congress and/or the president are unconstitutional

Checks & balances14Check for Understanding: Answer on your note paperWhat was the U.S. government like under the Articles of Confederation?

How did Shays Rebellion make people realize that the Articles of Confederation were ineffective?SummaryAt first, the Founding Fathers purposely created a weak governmentthe Articles of Confederation-- to protect hard-won freedomsIt soon became clear for many reasons that a much stronger government was needed The Constitution wasand isthe plan of government that the Founding Fathers created