The Nation’s The Nation’s First First

GovernmentsGovernmentsMr. Chad FolkersmaMr. Chad Folkersma

CivicsCivicsSault Area High SchoolSault Area High School

The First State ConstitutionsThe First State Constitutions• Americans faced

the task of forming independent governments at both the state and national levels.

• Constitution:– A plan for

government

From Colonies to StatesFrom Colonies to States• Legislature

– To create laws

• Governor– To carry out the laws

• Judges & Courts– To decide what the laws meant and how they

applied to each new situation

Preserving RightsPreserving Rights• Most state constitutions were based on the

following beliefs:– Life– Liberty– Pursuit of Happiness

The Articles of The Articles of ConfederationConfederation

• Lack of Power– Couldn’t collect taxes– Couldn’t regulate trade– Couldn’t enforce its laws

• Lack of Central Power– No single leader or group directed government

policy– No national court system

• Rules Too Rigid– Congress couldn’t pass law without approval of

9 states– Articles couldn’t be change without 100%

agreement

Shay’s RebellionShay’s Rebellion• Massachusetts ran out of

money and raise taxes on farmers to pay off debt.

– Farmers armed and attacked the state government.

– Farmers felt it wasn’t their fault so why should they have to pay off the debt.

AssignmentAssignmentImagine you are on a committee to write a

new state constitution. List five freedoms you want attached to your state’s constitution.

Explain why it is important to guarantee these each of these rights.

Paragraph Format, using complete sentences.