BELLWORK1. Explain the problems the U.S. government

encountered post-Revolution.2. What was the Articles of Confederation? What was

the problem with this document?3. Describe the different beliefs of the Federalists and

Anti-Federalists. 4. One controversial issue over the Constitution was

whether to add a Bill of Rights. What do you think? Was the Bill of Rights necessary or are these rights already granted under the Constitution?

5. THINKER: Are all of the amendments within the Bill of Rights relevant in today’s society? Are any outdated? Explain!

Life in colonies POST revolution• #1 - Explain the problems the U.S. government

encountered post-Revolution.• The rich were getting richer; the poor were getting

poorer (By 1770 – top 1% owned 44% of land)• Only 8% of the population could vote (PA)• The top 10% of the white leaders in America owned ½

the wealth • The top 10% of white leaders in America held as

slaves 1/5 of the countries people (Washington had 216 slaves)

• These were the leaders of state governments• Most state constitutions ignored women, slaves, and

the poor

Wealth distribution in

Colonial America

The Articles of Confederation• #2 - What was the Articles of Confederation? What

was the problem with this document?• Articles of Confederation: Document setting up

government for the U.S.; originally written in the Second Continental Congress & signed in Nov 1777, but re-written to form the U.S. Constitution.

• Before the constitution, the 13 states ruled separately from one another.

• State power > national government• States dramatically raised taxes which caused

massive rebellions, but Congress could not do anything about it.

• Convinced of the urgent need for reform, 12 states sent delegates to The Constitutional Convention.

The Constitution• At the Constitutional Convention, delegates

produced The United States Constitution, which has governed the U.S. for more than 200 years!

• Signed September 17, 1787• George Washington was elected as the first

president.

• Signers of the Constitution included:• George Washington• Benjamin Franklin• James Madison• Alexander Hamilton

“Our goal is to create a new government instead of fixing the existing one”

- James Madison

Political Parties• During the creation of the Constitution,

various political parties emerged.• Federalists: supported the Constitution and

a strong national government • Anti-Federalists: opposed the Constitution,

and wanted individual rights and state control

• #3 - Describe the different beliefs of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

• #4 - One controversial issue over the Constitution was whether to add a Bill of Rights. What do you think? Was the Bill of Rights necessary or are these rights already granted under the Constitution?

The Bill of Rights• In 1791, ten amendments

were added to the Constitution; these are known as The Bill of Rights.

• Amendment: An addition or alteration made to the Constitution.

• #5 - Are all of the amendments within the Bill of Rights relevant in today’s society? Are any outdated? Explain!

Bill of Rights Review• Read the following situations and answer

the questions. The answer to each question is in the Bill of Rights.

• The State of Iowa has designed an interstate highway to run through Mr. and Mrs. Schwertley’s farm. The Schwertleys do not want to sell their land even though the state is paying them a fair market price for the land. Do they have to sell?

• Yes, they must sell their land. The 5th Amendment says: “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation”

• In a celebrated case, a movie star is charged with murder. After a lengthy trial, the jury declares the actor “not guilty.” Several months after the trial is over, additional evidence is discovered that proves the actor committed the crime. Can the actor be tried again?

• No! The fifth amendment states: “nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy”

• A local animal rights organization doesn’t like the city’s dog leash ordinance. The organization coordinates a protest march, making sure their permits are in order. The day of the march, the leader is jailed. Is the arrest legal?

• No! The first amendment guarantees a person’s right to peacefully assemble

• A man is caught stealing a loaf of bread from a local store. He is arrested and convicted of the crime. The judge sentenced him to 30 days in jail and ordered that his right hand be cut off. The sentence was struck down. Why?

• The eighth amendment states the government can not impose excessive fines, nor cruel and unusual punishment.

Articles of Confederation vs. U.S. Constitution

• Let’s compare/contrast the two important documents!

Tomorrow in history……

• Officer Horetski is coming to guest lecture on the Bill of Rights

• This will be more of an informal question-answer session

• Come with questions prepared!!!