Chapter 2Chapter 2

The Constitution

The American RevolutionThe American Revolution

A) Anger w/ Britain1. British politics were corrupt2. Effects of French & Indian War3. Representation4. Natural rights: life, liberty,

property5. Complaints against King George

(D of I)

B) Independence: Now What?1.Articles of Confederation• A confederation is an association of

sovereign member states that, by treaty, have delegated certain of their competences (or powers) to common institutions.

• Gov’t by consent• Direct grant of power (states)• Human liberty before government• Legislative Branch

C) Weaknesses of Confederation• Could not levy taxes • Could not regulate trade• State sovereignty• 9 of 13 votes needed (too much)• Delegates picked to Congress• No uniform currency• Small army• Territorial disputes (who settles)• No judicial system• Amendments needed all 13 votes

Constitutional ConventionConstitutional Convention• Articles needed amendingWhy? Shays’s Rebellion,

economic collapse, Judicial system needed

A)Framers• Intent: Social Contract Theory• Popular consent could not

guarantee liberty• Why?

• Delicate problem: “A need for stronger government to maintain order, but one that would not threaten liberty.”

Problems1.Direct democracy not the solution2.Aristocracy bad3.Gov’t w/ constitutional limits may not

protect against tyrants

SolutionsSolutions

A)The Virginia Plan1.True National Gov’t2.2 house legislature w/ supreme

powers3.One house directly elected4.Executive chosen by legislature5.Council w/ veto power6.Votes equal to state population

B) New Jersey Plan1.Sought to amend articles2.One vote per state3.Protect small states’ interests4.No executive

C) Compromise1.2 house Legislature2.House of Reps based on pop3.Senate—2/state4.Executive to be determined

The Final SolutionThe Final Solution

National GovernmentA)Federalism• Power distributed between

national, state, and local levelsHow does this appease both sides?

Federalism enables one level of gov’t to act as a check on the other.

B) National Gov’t• Fear of being too strong• How to limit its power and protect the

states?1.Checks & Balances—3 branches:

Executive, Legislative, Judicial2.Great Compromise3.Electoral College to choose President4.Commerce Clause5.Bill of Rights6.Amendments7.Delegated, Reserved, Concurrent

Powers

Political PartiesPolitical PartiesThe ratification of the

Constitution gave rise to the 1st political parties

A)FederalistsSupported the establishment of a

strong central gov’tSupported full ratification of

ConstitutionBill of Rights needed? NO

B) Anti-Federalists1.Nat’l gov’t too distant from smaller

states2.Nat’l gov’t would annihilate state

functions3.More restrictions needed4.Bill of Rights is needed (especially 10th)5.Proper method of counting population

(3/5th Compromise)6.Commerce Compromise7.Presidential powers (feared a new type

of king)

People SupportPeople Support

What type of people supported the Constitution?

Merchants, urbanites, owners of western land, holders of gov’t IOU’s, non slave owners

What type of people opposed?Farmers, people who held no

IOU’s, slave owners

Constitutional Problems Constitutional Problems (Today)(Today)1. Separation of power dilutes

leadership2. Urgent problems caught up in “red

tape”3. President too weak4. Lobbyists interfering w/ gov’t

agencies (bureaucracy)5. Too much preference to individual

wants over general needs6. House term too short7. Presidential term too short or too long

Constitutional Reform Constitutional Reform (Today)(Today)1. Cabinet chosen from Congress2. Allow President to dissolve Congress 3. Empower Congress to require special

Presidential election4. Establish single 6 year term for President5. Lengthen term in House to four years6. Limit amount of collectible taxes7. Require a balanced budget8. Grant President a true line-item veto9. Narrow authority of federal courts

List one positive and one negative for each reform stated.

Constitutional ThoughtConstitutional Thought

1. How well has this document worked?

2. How has it compared with other governments in history?

Questions1.The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation surfaced during the Critical Period of American History. Write three questions that will help you understand why so many leaders of the day urged a stronger national government.

2.It is 1788. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper in which you express your opinion on whether the Constitution should be ratified.

3.Which Amendments (explain) contradict the “We the People” statement in the Constitution?

4.In order for a federal type of government to function properly, are the following needed: checks & balances, The Bill of Rights, and reserved powers to the states?