Constitution

Master the US Constitution: from weak Articles to a strong government with key compromises and the Bill of Rights!

Articles of Confederation The Articles were made weak due to the fear that a strong central government would abuse its power. Most of the power was with individual statesStrengths of the Articles.Ability to declare war, ability to make treaties, authority to operate post offices, manage foreign affairs, and coin money (finance the war).Weaknesses of the Articles:Weak Central Government (all states had to approve amendments and other decisions required at least 9 states)No Money (No power to enforce tax)No Military LeadershipShays’ Rebellion: Farmers in western Massachusetts rebelled the year before over property taxes. The state struggled to end the rebellion. This event contributed to the decision to restructure the federal government. What this proved: a strong national government was neededThe Northwest Ordinance Problem: States were fighting over the new territory gained in the Treaty of Paris 1783Solution: The Northwest Ordinance of 1787Established guidelines (new method) for the admission of new states to the United States and a process for territories to govern themselves. A U.S. territory would have to meet a population of 60,000 free settlers to apply for statehood.It also protected civil liberties and outlawed slavery in the new territories.This ordinance also encouraged the spread of education because it would help maintain an orderly society. (as they expanded) What was a major concern that led to the creation of weak Articles of Confederation? Fear of foreign invasion Fear of a strong central government abusing its power Fear of losing state sovereignty Fear of losing state sovereignty What event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger national government? The Boston Tea Party Shays' Rebellion The Constitutional Convention The Constitutional Convention The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was primarily designed to address conflicts over: Military leadership Military leadership New territory gained after the Treaty of Paris Taxation policies According to the Northwest Ordinance, how many free settlers were required for a territory to apply for statehood? 60000 What did the Northwest Ordinance explicitly outlaw in new territories? Education Slavery Trade Land ownership Constitutional Convention The Articles of Confederation were too weak, so a Constitutional Convention was held.When: May of 1787Goal: to revise or update the Articles of ConfederationJames Madison “Father of the U.S. Constitution”much about the convention is known because Madison kept detailed records, earning him his nickname.Virginia Plan - representatives are based on the population of the state (favored the BIG states)New Jersey Plan - equal no matter the size of the state (favored the small states)*Solution: The Great Compromise-Settled the issues (compromise) between large and small statesCreated a bi-cameral legislature (2 houses)Senate (equal number of seats for all states)House of Representatives (number of seats based on state population)Another disagreement occurred between the delegates over the counting of enslaved peoples towards the total populationProblem - “How would enslaved individuals count for the total population?”The South wanted enslaved people to count. More people = more money.The Northern states did not think this was fair as enslaved people had no rights and could not vote.*Solution -the “3 Compromise”It settled the debate over the issue of counting the enslaved population for representation and also increased the influence the South had in politics.Established that enslaved people were not equal to free people when determining representation.Five enslaved persons would equal three free persons for the population total. (a portion of the slave population was counted for legislative representation) What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention held in May of 1787? To draft a new constitution from scratch To discuss foreign affairs To declare independence from Britain To revise or update the Articles of Confederation Virginia Plan A plan for representation based on state population Large states New Jersey Plan A proposal for equal representation regardless of state size Small states Great Compromise A compromise between large and small states House of representative senate An agreement to create a bi-cameral legislature What was the key issue regarding the counting of enslaved individuals during the Constitutional Convention? Their ability to vote Their rights as citizens How they would affect state representation What was the solution to the debate over how enslaved individuals would count for the total population? Sort the characteristics between Federalist and Anti-Federalist Federalist Wanted ratification James Madison increase the power of the national government. Federalist Papers Anti Federalist Opposed ratification (refused to sign) Patrick HenryGeorge Mason The Constitution should give more power to the states! Match the amendments 1st R.A.P.P.S 4th Unreasonable searches and seizures are illegal 5th Due Process - the government must respect all rights owed to a person 6th Right to a speedy and public trial in criminal cases 8th No excessive bail (fines) can be imposed or required and no “cruel or unusual” punishment can be inflicted 10th Powers not given to the federal government belong to the state governments or the people.