Chapter 8.1 Forming a UnionChapter 8.1 Forming a UnionJune 12, 1776

◦ A Committee in Second Continental Congress agreed to create a national government if America does declare independence from England.

July 4, 1776July 4, 1776 Congress issued the

Declaration of Independence

◦ Written by Thomas Jefferson

◦ Now it’s time for the new government to take place. Why?

◦ So when the war is over we can start our own country.

Americans Create a RepublicAmericans Create a RepublicWhen the war ends…

◦ All 13 states ratify a constitution known as the Articles of Confederation

Ratify◦ Give official approval

Established the US as a republic◦ Citizens rule through

elected representatives

A.O.C. Creates a Weak National A.O.C. Creates a Weak National GovernmentGovernment

Articles of Confederation has one branch of government◦ Called Congress

It’s job? Make the laws for our country!

◦ How does it function? Each state shared power by having 1 representative

◦ 7 of 13 state representatives had to agree to make a law.

◦ No President or judicial branches

Early Problems in the RepublicEarly Problems in the Republic

Congress could not:

◦ Collect taxes

◦ Keep states from printing their own money

◦ Pass laws without majority of 13 states agreeing

Congress could:

◦ Borrow money from other nations

◦ Declare war

◦ Enter treaties

◦ Pass laws with a majority

One thing the A.O.C. got right…One thing the A.O.C. got right…They passed the

Land Ordinance of 1785◦Set up a system for

dividing up the territory west of the 13 original states. This created the

opportunity to make new states in the future.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787Northwest Ordinance of 1787By 1787 enough

people had moved into Ohio Valley that laws had to be made to govern them.

Called Northwest Ordinance of 1787

How did the NW Ordinance work? How did the NW Ordinance work? Created the Northwest Territory

◦ Would eventually become states Illinois Indiana Michigan Ohio Wisconsin

Set rules for these states to be created. ◦ Population had to be 60,000 or more

◦ Had to set a local republic form of government Led by a Governor

◦ Could not have slavery!!!

Northwest TerritoryNorthwest Territory

Review Questions…Review Questions…

What is the Articles of Confederation?

What is the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

What states are included in the Northwest Territory?