Unit 3: Articles and Constitution

The Confederation and the Constitution APUSH Chapter 9

Organizing Principle:The Articles of Confederation provided a reasonable and workable transition from the unitary system of British rule to the federal system established under the Constitution.

The Pursuit of EqualityThere were many who felt this new country should adopt new beliefs on the issue of equalityVirginia Statue for Religious FreedomCreated in 1786 by Thomas Jefferson and his co-reformers; stated that religion should not be imposed on anybody and that each person decided his/her own faith.Quakers in Pennsylvania created the first anti-slavery societyOther northern states also moved to abolish slavery

The Pursuit of EqualitySociety of Cincinnati?

Egalitarianism?

republican motherhood?

State Constitutions p. 168The Declaration of Independence created a need for new state constitutionsStates contained to maintain sovereigntyStates were willing to fight together, but not be ruled togetherSeveral states also moved their capitals westward to avoid capture by BritainNew YorkNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaGeorgiaEconomic UncertaintyWar with Britain meant an end to goods from BritainStates had to create their own goods, or do withoutLack of goods caused unemployment and a rapid spread of povertyMany states were more worried about economic policy than they were about political policyArticles of ConfederationWritten shortly after the Declaration of IndependenceWas necessary to show France that the US had a governmentWas not ratified by all 13 states until 1781Was inherently weak why? No provisions for raising taxesNo provisions for regulating foreign tradeNo executive or judicial brachesNo power to raise a national armyEach state thought of itself as a unique political unit Land Ordinance of 1785Very confusing & overly detailed Divides land into townships Land set aside for public schoolsOrderly settlement of old NW prevents fraud & uncertain land claims

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 p. 174Only real piece of legislation passed under the ArticlesThe old northwest territory was to be sold and the money used to pay off the national debtSet forth qualifications for statehoodPopulation of 60,000

New states would have all the rights and privileges of the original 13Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin resulted from the ordinanceWeaknesses of the ArticlesColonies were free to make their own trade agreements with foreign countries problem?Fear was that one state might sign an agreement that hurt the othersBritain would not negotiate with any of the 13 states causing further worsening of poor economic conditionsBritain refused to send a minister to Americas backwoods capital Weaknesses of the ArticlesThe British remained in their western forts and the Americans were helpless to stop them why?The Americans did not honor their treaty to repay the loyalistsThe states refused to send money for repayment and there was nothing the Central government could do about itWeaknesses of the ArticlesThe British retained control of Canada and made new treaties with the nativesBoth angered and scared the AmericansWithout a standing army and no ability to raise one, the Americans were helplessWeaknesses of the ArticlesSpain became openly hostile to the USAllowed Florida to become a launching pad for renegades and criminalsClosed the Mississippi river to American commerce in 1784The Articles rendered the US incapable of defending itselfShays Rebellion1786: Western MassachusettsBack-country farmers were in a desperate financial situationLosing farms to back taxes and delinquent mortgages that piled up during the Revolution The farmers were led by Captain Daniel Shays, a former colonial officerThe rebellion was crushed, but created fear among the elite of more mob revoltsWhat does Shayss rebellion expose about the Articles of Confederation?

Essential Questions:Explain how weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and the rebellion led by Daniel Shays led to a call for a stronger central government. Why are micro-rebellions prevalent in the post revolutionary United States?

Constitutional ConventionIt became clear to many that the Articles could not be fixedThe only option was to create an entirely new government based on a constitutionThe convention delegates acted with out permission from either Congress or the statesAnnapolis Convention 1786The state of Virginia called for a convention to be held in Annapolis, MarylandOnly 5 states attendedAlexander Hamilton called upon Congress to call for a convention to meet in Philadelphia to amend the Articles

Constitutional ConventionDelegates from every state but Rhode Island convene in Philadelphia on May 25th, 1787The goal was to fix the articlesAn attempt was make to rekindle the revolutionary spiritGeorge Washington was elected as the convention leader

Constitutional ConventionVirginia Plan (James Madison) Representation in Congress would be based on state populationFavored the large states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts

New Jersey Plan (William Patterson) Representation in Congress would be equal among all states, regardless of population

The Great Compromise(Connecticut Compromise)Authored by Roger Sherman Would consist of a bicameral legislatureHouse of Representatives would be based on populationSenate would have two members from each statePlan would also create an executive branch (president)

The Great Compromise(Connecticut Compromise)Southern states felt slighted by the planInsisted that slaves count as part of their population why?New England states vigorously objectedSouthern states threatened to leave if their demands were not met3/5th compromise was adoptedSlave trade was to end by 1807All states but Georgia forbid overseas slave tradeFurther WorkIt was decided the new government would consist of three branchesExecutiveLegislativeJudicialA system of checks and balances would keep any one branch from dominating the othersWhat two groups emerged? Federalists vs. Anti-FederalistsFederalists Favored new ConstitutionStrong central govtbalance b/w states & national govt What would protect Americans from tyranny? Checks & Balances

Anti-Federalists Opposed to having a strong central govtConstitution did not include specific protections for individual rightsWhat would be included to protect individual rights?

Federalists vs. Anti-FederalistsImmediate differences on what type of government should be created became evidentFederalists - Washington, Hamilton, FranklinSocial elites that lived along the eastern seaboardWere typically richer and better educated than their opponentsControlled the pressAnti-Federalists - Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry LeeStates rights followersGenerally poorer and less educatedFeared a strong central government would hinder individual rights what did they demand?Bill of RightsAnti-Federalists refused to approve to the constitution without an assurance to protect individual rightsBill of Rights was created1st ten amendments to the Constitution1-8 were guarantees or individual rightsWere a reaction to laws placed upon them by the British5 freedoms of 1st Amendment?Bill of Rights Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.Right to keep and bear armsNo quartering of soldiers.Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures.Right to due process of law, freedom from self-incrimination, double jeopardy.Rights of accused persons, e.g., right to a speedy and public trial.Rights of accused persons, e.g., right to a speedy and public trial.Freedom from excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishmentsOther rights of the people. Powers reserved to the states.

RatificationNine of the thirteen states immediately ratified the ConstitutionDelaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, and New HampshireFour other states were undecidedNew York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and VirginiaLaunching the New Ship of State APUSH Chapter 10

Organizing Principles: Between 1789 and 1820 conflict over the increasing power of the national government created intensified sectional tension.Between 1789 and 1823 geographic isolation allowed the Unites States to pursue a policy of selective involvement in world affairs.

Growing PainsIn 1789, the new U.S. Constitution was launched, and the population was doubling every 20 years. Americas population was still 90% rural, with 5% living west of the Appalachians.Vermont became the 14th state in 1791, and Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio (states where trans-Appalachian overflow was concentrated) became states soon after.Visitors looked down upon the crude, rough pioneers, and these western people were restive and dubiously loyal at best.

Growing PainsAmerica was also heavily in debt, and paper money was worthlessRestless monarchs watched to see if the U.S. could succeed in setting up a republic while facing such overwhelming oddsWashington for PresidentAt 64, 175 pounds, with broad and sloping shoulders, a strongly pointed chin and pockmarks from smallpox, George Washington was an imposing figure, which helped in his getting unanimously elected as president by the Electoral College in 1789.Washington as President His long journey from Mt. Vernon to New York (capital at the time) was a triumphant procession filled with cheering crowds and roaring festivities, and he took his oath of office on April 30, 1789, on a balcony overlooking Wall Street.Washington as PresidentWashington established a diverse cabinet (which was not necessary Constitutional).Secretary of State: Thomas JeffersonSecretary of the Treasury: Alexander HamiltonSecretary of War: Henry Knox

The Bill of RightsMany states had ratified the Constitution on the condition that there would be a Bill of RightsAnti-Federalists had criticized the Constitution for its lack of a Bill. The necessary number of states adopted the Bill of Rights in 1791.Bill of RightsAmendment I: Freedom of religion, speech or press, assembly, and petition.Amendment II: Right to bear arms (for militia). Amendment III: Soldiers cant be housed in civilian homes during peacetime.Amendment IV: No unreasonable searches; all searches require warrants. Amendment V: Right to refuse to speak during a civil trial; No Double Jeopardy.Bill of RightsAmendment VI: Right to a speedy and public trial. Amendment VII: Right to trial by jury when the sum exceeds $20. Amendment VIII: No excessive bails and/or fines.Amendment IX: Other rights not enumerated are also in effect. (Peoples Rights Amendment) Amendment X: Unlisted powers belong to the state. (States Rights Amendment)Other ActsJudiciary Act 1789Created an effective system of Federal courtsWas opposed by many states rights leadersJohn Jay became the first chief justice of the Supreme CourtHamiltons Financial PlanCreation of a National DebtThe country was in debt to the tune of 54 millionHamilton suggested that the government borrow the money to pay the debtWould leave the country in debtWas seen by many as an attempt to make the US a permanent debtor nationHamiltons Financial PlanAssumption of States debtsSome states were left with huge debts from the RevolutionMassachusetts's was in dire straits, while others like Virginia had very littlePlan would make states responsible for each others debtVirginia strongly objected, as did the smaller statesVirginia agrees after getting the capital moved to their stateHamiltons Financial PlanThe US deficit quickly ballooned to over 75 millionHamilton was unconcerned by the debtPeople were more likely to be interested in the growth and development of the country if the country owed them moneyTo help lessen the debt, Hamilton proposedImport tariff of 8%Excise tax on whiskey of 7 cents per gallonHamiltons Financial PlanNational bankHamilton proposed a national treasuryTo be a private institution modeled after the Bank of EnglandTo have the federal government as a major stockholderTo circulate cash to stimulate businessesTo store excess money, and to print money that was worth somethingThis was opposed by Jefferson as being unconstitutional (as well as a tool for the rich to better themselves).Hamiltons Financial PlanHamiltons ViewsWhat was not forbidden in the Constitution was permitted.A bank was necessary and proper (from Constitution).He evolved the Elastic Clause, AKA the necessary and proper clause, which would greatly expand federal power. This is a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

Hamiltons Financial PlanJeffersons ViewsWhat was not permitted was forbidden.A bank should be a state-controlled item (since the 10th Amendment says powers not delegated in the Constitution are left to the states).The Constitution should be interpreted literally and through a strict interpretation.

Hamiltons Financial PlanHamilton won the dispute, and Washington reluctantly signed the bank measure into law. The Bank of the United States was created by Congress in 1791, and was chartered for 20 years. It was located in Philadelphia and was to have a capital of $10 million.Stock was thrown open to public sale, and surprisingly, a milling crowd oversubscribed in two hours.

The Whiskey RebellionIn 1794, in western Pennsylvania, the Whiskey Rebellion flared up when fed-up farmers revolted against Hamiltons excise tax. They said theyd been unfairly singled out to be taxed.They cried taxation without representation since many were from Tennessee and Kentucky which were not yet states and had no one in Congress.

The Whiskey RebellionWashington cautiously sent an army of about 13,000 troops from various states to the revolt, but the soldiers found nothing upon arrival; the rebels had scattered.Washingtons new presidency now commanded new respect, but anti-federalists criticized the governments use of a sledgehammer to crush a gnat. The lesson of the Whiskey Rebellion this government, unlike the Articles, was strong!Development of Political PartiesHamiltons financial policies were seen by many as an encroachment on states rightsAs resentment grew, Jefferson moved to take a personal dislike of Hamilton publicTwo parties were created around these menFederalists: HamiltonDemocratic-Republicans: Jefferson

Development of Political PartiesThe founding fathers did not wish to have political partiesWhigs and Tories were present, but just as groups not organized partiesWashington in particular did not want the rancor that would come with the division caused by partiesImpact of the French RevolutionThe French Revolution greatly affected AmericaAmericans were thrilled when the French using the US as a model, overthrew a despot and sought to establish a republicWhen the revolution turned bloody with the Reign of Terror, US sentiment turned against the FrenchWhen France declared war on Britain, it appeared the US would be forced to enter the fray

Washington and NeutralityThe Democratic-Republicans called for the entry of the US on the side of the FrenchThey had been the primary reason the Americans won the revolutionThe Federalists called for entering the war on the side of the BritishHamilton felt it would aid us to help our number one trading partnerWashington and NeutralityWashington felt the US would come apart if they entered the war on either sideEconomy was too weakUS had a small and ineffective militaryWashington proclaimed the official American stance would be neutralityBoth France and Britain were upset by this stance, Jefferson was particularly upset at what he thought was a cowardly moveCitizen Edmond GentCame to the US to rally support for the French causeWas greeted by wild cheering crowds in many US citiesCalled for the US to help the FrenchSought to enlist Americans citizens to fight for the FrenchWashington ordered him to quit and asked him to leave the countryProblems with BritainThe British were still in their western fortsThey were secretly supplying the natives with weaponsEncouraging the natives to launch raids against American settlersThe British were ignoring US neutralityBritish navy had seized over 300 American merchant shipsHad forced thousands of US sailors into the Royal Navy (impressment)Democratic-Republicans called for was against Britain

Jays TreatyWashington fearing war with the British, sends John Jay to negotiate with the BritishJay negotiated what many felt was overly favorable for BritainBritain would repay the lost money from recent merchant ship seizures called impressment, but it said nothing about future seizures or supplying Indians with arms.America would have to pay off its pre-Revolutionary War debts to Britain.Democratic-Republicans from the South were furious, as the southern farmers would have to pay while the northern merchants would be paid. Jays effigy was burnt in the streets. However, war was avoided.

Pinckneys TreatyWhile Jay was negotiating with Britain, Pinckney of SC was talking to SpainSpain agreed to give the US unfettered access to the Mississippi RiverSet up process for future US possession of FloridaWas seen by many as proof that the Democratic-Republicans were stronger than the FederalistsWashingtons Farewell AddressWashington had been superb as the first presidentThe country was sturdy and on its way to becoming a major nationWashington warned againstPolitical partiesForging permanent alliances with foreign nationsJohn Adams PresidencyAdams defeated a very popular Thomas Jefferson to become the 2nd President of the USHamilton hated Adams and worked against both Adams and his vice president JeffersonAdams did not replace any of Washingtons advisors which proved to be a mistakeWashingtons advisors were loyal to HamiltonHamilton used them to sabotage the executive branch

Unofficial/Quasi War with FranceFrance was upset with Jays treatyCalled it a violation of the 1788 Franco-American treatyBegan to seize US merchant vessels who were helpless to do anything about itThe US navy was also unable to help, frustrating the people of the US

X, Y, Z AffairAdams sent three emissaries to France to negotiate with TalleyrandThe US delegation was asked to pay for the honor of just meeting with the French MinisterThey declined to pay and returned homeAmericans greeted the emissaries as heroes for doing the right thingX, Y, Z AffairThe US public called for war, but Adams knew that war was not an optionThe US waged an unofficial war for over two years, attacking and taking French ships when possibleAdams as a StatesmanNapoleon anxious to take Europe, sought to sign an agreement with the US to eliminate any chance of war with AmericaAgainst the wishes of the general public, Adams sent three American envoys to ParisA treaty was signed in 1800Ended the 1778 AllianceUS must pay France for the loss of its merchant shipsTreaty kept the US out of a war it could not winCost Adams popular supportAlien and Sedition ActsFederalists sought to reinforce their vision for America which favored the educated eliteAlien ActChanged residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 14 yearsPresident was allowed to jail foreigners during times of peace and deport them during times of warAlien and Sedition ActsSedition ActProvided that anyone who impeded the policies of the government or falsely defamed its officials, including the president, would be liable to a heavy fine and imprisonmentLaw was aimed at the Democratic-Republicans and the Newspaper editors who supported themWas passed by the Federalists House and Senate and upheld by the Federalist courtsAlien and Sedition ActsThe Sedition Act wasCompletely unconstitutionalWas written into law because the Federalists controlled both houses of CongressWas upheld because the Federalists dominated the courtsWas the final blow to Adams popularity

The Virginia Jefferson and Kentucky Madison ResolutionsJefferson feared that the Federalists, having wiped out freedom of speech and of the press, might wipe out more.He wrote a series of legislationKentucky Resolution in 1798-99, and friend James Madison wrote another series of legislation (less extreme) called the Virginia Resolution. Compact Theory of Govt13 states, in creating the federal government, had entered into a contract regarding its jurisdiction, and the individual states were the final judges of the laws passed in CongressSince the states made the federal government, the states reserve the right to nullify those federal lawsThis legislation set out to kill the Sedition and Alien LawsOnly those two states adopted the laws. Federalists, though, argued that the people, not the states, had made the contract, and it was up to the Supreme Court to nullify legislation,A procedure that it adopted in 1803. While neither Madison nor Jefferson wanted secession, they did want an end to Federalist abuses

Federalists v. Democratic-RepublicansFederalistsMost Federalists were the old Federalists from before the Constitution.They wanted a strong government ruled by the educated aristocrats, the best people.Most were the merchants, manufacturers, and shippers along the Atlantic seaboard.They were mostly pro-British and recognized that foreign trade was key in the U.S.

Federalists v. Democratic-RepublicansDemocratic-RepublicansRepublicans were led by Thomas Jefferson, a poor speaker but a great leader, and an appealer to the common people. They desired rule by informed classes and a weaker central government that would preserve the sovereignty of the states. They were mostly pro-French. Jefferson was rich and even owned slaves, but he sympathized with the common people. They emphasized that national debt had to be paid off.Federalists v. Democratic-RepublicansDemocratic-RepublicansThey were mostly agrarians (farmers), and insisted on No privileges for the upper class. They saw farming was a noble professionHe advocated rule of the people, but not all the people, just those who werent ignorant.