The Constitution

Articles of Confederation• Confederation – loose association of

independent states• The Articles of Confederation – Established

the first government of the United States– November 15, 1977– Fear of Central Power – National Government lack

any real Power – Four Reasons for Failure• No power to tax• No head of State• No regulation of interstate or foreign commerce • Each state how power to veto amendments

Constitution Convention• Shays’s Rebellion – Demonstrated need for Stronger Government

• Edmond Randolph of Virginia– Virginia Plan• Three Branches of Government

– Legislative – Executive– Judicial

• Two House Legislature – Representation based on taxes paid

• Called for strong national government • Favored the large and wealthy states

Continued

• New Jersey Plan– William Paterson of New Jersey– Legislature based on equal representation – Favored by small and poor states– Forced a Compromise

• Great Compromise – Roger Sherman of Connecticut– House based on size– Senate is equal– Legislation approved by both chambers

Continued

• 3/5th Compromise – Slavery a big part of American Economy– The question of representation of slaves• Should they count towards population?

– Slave States = yes– Free States = no

– Slaves will count as 3/5th of a person – Gave southern states greater representation

Ratification• Need nine state to ratify become law– Nation Split over Constitution

• Federalist – supported – favored national government• Antifederalist – did not support – favored state gov

• Federalist Papers– Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison =

Publius – 85 newspaper articles supporting ratification

• Federalist No 10 – avoid factions, pluralism, or “tyranny of the majority” (mob rule)

• Federalist No 51 – control tyranny through “separation of powers” and “checks and balances”

• Anti-Federalist Papers– Brutus– Not as influential

Bill of Rights • States would not ratify without Bill of Rights– List basic civil liberties and civil rights– Purpose of Revolution War

• Federalist No 84 – BofR would be “Dangerous”– Not possible to list prohibited powers

• George Washington – Amendment process• Bill of Rights – First 10 amendments to the constitution• Constitution Adopted– First State Delaware – December 7, 1787– 9th New Hampshire – June 21, 1788

• Became Active

– 13th Rhode Island – May 29, 1790