Chapter 6

The American RepublicOr

Where do we go from here?

The Republic

• At the time most knowledge of a republic was based on Rome and Greece.

• If these great Republics failed what is the chance for America

• The hope is to keep a government without a monarch or aristocracy.

• To preserve this nation people like John Adams believed “A republic demanded an exceptionality, and a high degree of public morality”

African American and women’s rights in the republic

• How were women and African Americans treated during this period?

• Both groups were essentially given a mixed message.• In the Northern areas Slaves were seen as less of a

necessity. While the south did not agree.• Women tried to make strides during this time with

only mild success• The major decision makers Adams and Jefferson both

believed that now was not the time for women to become political.

Two Drafts of the Articles

• Draft 1: Was put together by who and when?• John Dickson during 1776 during the war• What kind of laws were In the first draft?• Strong central government• Equal state representation, not based on

population• Taxes paid based on state population.

Second draft of Articles

• How similar are the first and final draft of the Articles of Confederation?

• Very different• Guarded sovereignty of states• Stripped power from government • Government could get funds by asking for

state contributions• Government handled foreign affairs

Moving West

• With the defeat of the British there is now un tapped land possibilities for the U.S.

• The track of land is modern day Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.

• Debate starts over what to do with the land when Virginia claims ownership to the territory.

• The other states claimed that the land was for all.• Virginia would secede its interest leaving the land under

government control• Government was afraid to expand to much do to

transportation issues

North West Ordinance

• More people begin to move out and become squatters causing violence at times.

• Jefferson considered ten states be molded out of the area. When it grew large enough it would be given statehood and citizens could vote

North West Ordinance Continued

• For congress it seemed that selling the land off was a good way to make money to the ailing economy.

• The land was sold to Cutler who was unable to successfully take advantage of the land. Congress generally viewed the group of settlers as uncivilized

• The North West Ordinance:

North West Ordinance continued

• Congress decided that they had to something with the lawlessness of the West.

• The North west ordinance was passed. It provided structure to the new territory.

• Created three to five territories controlled by a governor, judges, and secretary appointed by congress.

• Contained certain measures a bill of rights, freedom of religion, due process law , outlaws slavery.

Budget Issues

• As the war came to an end there was no longer a reason to boycott British goods.

• After boycotting goods for so long former colonists were starving for British goods

• So much so people buy themselves into debt.

Budget issues continued

• As average citizens find themselves in debt the states are also asked to pay off their debts.

• States were not only able to pay their debts but the government had inflated the economy.

Hamilton and the Nationalists

• People like Hamilton and Madison begin to push for changes in the constitution.

• They began to look at the idea of allowing congress to collect a five percent sales tax on imported goods.

• Nationalists generally saw their opponents as economically naïve.

Madison and the constitution

• Madison along with many other nationalists were under the belief that portions of the Articles needed to be overhauled.

• After a poor turn out at the first exploration committee Madison was able to get another convention approved in Philadelphia

Shay is mad and he is not going to take it anymore

• Shortly after scheduling the Philadelphia convention a rebellion started in western Massachusetts

• Lead by a war veteran Daniel Shays a group of indebted planters.

• As the peril grows the government does not have enough money to raise an army.

• Wealthy Bostonian were able to calm the insurrection

Federalist V.S. Anti Federalist

Federalist• Proponents for the

constitution.• Envision a strong central

government• Usually from more urban

environments, as well as being well educated, and wealthy.

Anti-Federalist• Proponenents against a

constitution• At least want a bill of rights

in the constitution• Protection for the common

man• Usually people from less

urban areas.• Constant vigilance against

the abuse of authority.

A Bill of Rights

• The first ten amendments of the constitution.• Considered to be the legacy of the Anti-

Federalists