ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION TO THE...

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION TO THE CONSTITUTION

Articles of Confederation

The representatives of the thirteen states agree to create a confederacy called the United States of America, in which each state maintains its own sovereignty and all rights to govern, except those rights specifically granted to Congress.

These thirteen states enter into a firm "league of friendship" for the purpose of defending each other.

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

I. Currency Issues

• The United States did not have a common currency.

• Americans carried money from

the federal government, state

government, and foreign nations.

• Merchants stopped accepting money from outside of their

own state, causing a lot of money to become worthless.

• This caused an increase in inflation. (Steady rise in prices

relating to an increased volume of money and credit resulting

in a loss in the value of the currency.)

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

II. Debt

• Congress could not tax the people and depended on money

from the states. (no power to tax)

• Therefore, the U.S. was unable to pay its debts!

Examples:

- The U.S. owed money to France, Holland, and Spain for

loans made during the Revolutionary War.

- The U.S. had not paid many of their own soldiers!

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

III. International and Domestic Problems

• The U.S. lacked the

military power to defend

itself against Great Britain

and Spain.

• States acted as

individual countries and

seldom agreed. (i.e.

sending troops to fight)

Example:

- Connecticut and Virginia

almost went to war over

land claims!

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

Courts (Judicial Branch)

• The nation lacked a

national court system.

Supreme Court

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

President (Executive Branch)

• The nation did not have a

President, or Chief Executive.

White House

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

Congress (Legislative Branch)

• Laws were difficult to pass, needing the

approval of nine states.

• Congress was responsible to the states

(legislatures or Governors), not the people.

• Congress had no power to collect taxes,

coin money, or establish a military.

• Congress had one house. (unicameral)

Capitol Building

ComparisonArticles of Confederation Constitution of the United States

Major power held by individualstates

Powers shared between states and central government

National government had no power to tax, no power to enforce laws

National government had power to tax and regulate trade

At the national level-one house legislature, no executive, no court system

Three branches at the national level—executive, legislative, judicial

Introduction to the U.S. Constitution

Written in Philadelphia

Original intent was to revise the Articles

Washington was the President of the convention; James Madison was the “Father” of the Constitution

39 men signed it in 1787

Objective: Three major problems would arise during the convention…How do we solve them?

COMPROMISE!!!!!

3 BIG FIGHTS!!

North vs. South

Big vs. Little

Federalist vs. Antifederalist

•How to count

slaves for

representation

(Southern)

and taxation

(Northern)

purposes

• 3 out of

every 5 slaves

would be

counted.

North vs. South: Three-

Fifths Compromise

- It called for a

unicameral

legislature, in

which every state

received one vote.

Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan

- Both plans

called for a

strong

national

government

with 3

branches.

- It called for a

bicameral legislature,

in which the number

of representatives in

each house would

depend on the

population of the

state.

Big v. Little: Great Compromise-Connecticut Compromise

eCompromise ComCompromise Compromise)• It provided for a bicameral Congress.

A. House of Representatives – each state is represented according

to its population (satisfied the VA Plan)

B. Senate – each state has 2 Senators (satisfied the NJ Plan)

* Both houses of Congress must pass every law.

Federalism vs. Antifederalism

Some states wanted to preserve more states rights. Others wanted to protect individuals’ rights.

Compromise?

Bill of Rights!

THE PRINCIPLES OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

I. Popular Sovereignty The people hold the ultimate authority

The first three words of the Constitution are “We the People”

A representative democracy lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them.

Sen. Tim Kaine, Sen. Mark Warner, and Rep. Randy Forbes are our elected officials in Congress

II. Limited Government

Framers wanted to guard against tyranny

Government is limited to the power given them in the Constitution.

The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed

III. Federalism

The division of power between State and National Governments

Some powers are shared

The National Government has the “supreme power”

IV. Separation of Powers

No one holds “too much” power

Legislative branch makes the laws

Executive branch carries out the laws

Judicial branch interprets the laws

Legislative Branch

Senate and House of Representatives

Make our laws

Appropriate Money

Regulate Immigration

Establish Post Offices and Roads

Regulate Interstate Commerce and Transportation

Declare War

Executive Branch

The President enforces the law

Chief Diplomat

Chief Executive

Chief of State

Chief Legislator (suggests laws to Congress)

Commander in Chief

Economic Planner

Party Leader

Judicial Branch

Interprets the law

Supreme Court and other Federal Courts

Preserve and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution

Considers cases involving national laws

Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”

V. Checks and Balances

Prevents the abuse of power in government

Each branch can check each other branch

Executive Checks

Propose laws to Congress

Veto laws made by Congress

Negotiate foreign treaties

Appoint federal judges

Grant pardons to federal offenders

Legislative Checks Override president’s veto

Ratify treaties

Confirm executive appointments (S.C. Judges, Cabinet Officials)

Impeach federal officers and judges

Create and dissolve lower federal courts

Judicial Checks Declare executive acts unconstitutional

Declare laws unconstitutional

Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional

The Supreme Court holds the final check