2. Economics after the war Severe economic troubles- average American citizen was worse off after the war than before Trade with Britain cut off- barred from British harbors Large inflation crippling Previously wealthy now poor States borrowed more than they could repay Despite these drawbacks, there were some advantages, though they were enough to fix the economy American could trade with foreign nations Crown lands divided into small farms Americans could make profits manufacturing good previously obtained from Britain
3. Shays’ Rebellion Backcountry farmers in debt who were losing their farms in western Massachusetts Led by Daniel Shays Demanded the state issue paper money, lessen taxes, and stop property seizures Hundreds of them took up arms to enforce their demands Massachusetts raised a small army and several battles were fought The rebellion was crushed Massachusetts legislature passed debtor-relief laws Fear of democratic despotism Showed republicanism was unstable, and a stronger government was needed to control the nation
4. The Articles of Confederation The Articles were flawed in many ways, resulting in an unfit government All states had a single vote in federal matters Smaller states had as much voice as larger states Any amendments to the articles required unanimous ratification Almost impossible, Rhode Island was a problem with this Federal government had no power to regulate commerce States established different, conflicting laws regarding tariffs’ All bills dealing with subjects of importance required the support of 9 states Lengthy and difficult Federal government could not enforce its tax-collection program Had to ask states for money, and most of the time were unsuccessful
5. The Constitutional Convention May 25, 1787 Lasted throughout the summer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Independence Hall The convention was called with the purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation Instead, decided to recast the government
7. Virginia Plan & New Jersey Plan Bicameral legislature First house elected by the people Second house elected by the first house Number of representatives determined by population More power to larger states Unicameral legislature All states had same number of representatives Smaller states equally represented
8. The Great Compromise Combination of the New Jersey and Virginia plans 2 House Congress Senate- each state represented by 2 Senators House of Representatives- Delegates apportioned base on population of each state Senators elected by state legislature every 6 years Representatives elected by the people every 2 years
9. 3/5 Compromise The South wanted more influence in votes in the House South wanted slaves to count as part of the population towards representation North didn’t want this, as the North would lose power To please the South to go along with the new government, a compromise was made Each slave would count as 3/5 of a person This gave the South increased representation in the House of Representatives, increasing their influence
10. Federalists Strong national government needed Prevent/control crises such as Shays’ Rebellion Federal government that has the power to collect taxes and raise armies to protect the country Unifies the US, rather than being made up of separate states functioning as their own countries Freedoms still guaranteed Bill of Rights guarantees individual rights Does not violate state rights, as states may govern anything else not stated in the Constitution
11. Resources http://www.kirkwood.k12.mo.us/parent_student/khs/plattes/topics3and4/topics3and4.html http://en.wikipedia.org http://www.gunstonhall.org/education/resources/discover/mnlesson4.html http://www.congressforkids.net/Constitution http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0857548.html http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0857547.html http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0844765.html http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_founding_fathers.html http://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/constitution/section2.rhtml http://www.calliope.org/shays/shays2.html http://www.thisnation.com/textbook/constitution-delegates.html http://teachingamericanhistory.org/convention/delegates/ The American Pageant Volume I
