Too Late to Apologize!

A Declaration

Weaknesses of theArticles of

ConfederationA unicameral Congress [9 of 13 votes to pass a law].13 out of 13 to amend.Could not tax or raise armies.No executive or judicial branches.

State Claims to Western Lands

Land Ordinance of 1785

• $1 per acre with 640 acre mininimum• Raised $760,000 revenue in 4 years

The United States in 1787

Northwest (Land) Ordinance of 1787

Strategy for territories to become states. (60,000 pop. Minimum)

Guaranteed freedom of religion.

Guaranteed trial by jury.

Prohibited slavery in Northwest Territory

New states have equal status with 13Vermont-1791Kentucky-1792Tennessee-1796

Economic Problems41.2 million in debt including 7.9 in international debtDomestic debt reduced to 6 million, international debt increased to 10.2Negotiated commercial treaties with France, Sweden, Prussia, MoroccoFailed to solve tariff conflicts between statesFailed to solve paper currency abusesStates voted down tax requests

International ProblemsJay-Gardoqui Treaty accepted Spain’s closure of lower Mississippi in exchange for commercial treaty favorable to New EnglandUnable to get England reopen West Indies trade or accept imports (rice, indigo, tobacco)British flood U.S. with manufactured goodsTrade deficit=deflation=depression

American Exports, To & From Britain: 1783-1789

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-7

• Former Continental soldiers not paid back pay

• Land confiscated when they can’t pay taxes

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-7

There could be no stronger evidence of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders.-- George Washington

Annapolis Convention (1786)

12 representatives from 5 statesGOAL address barriers that limited trade and commerce between the states.Sent a report to the Congress to call a meeting of all the states to meet in Philadelphia to examine areas broader than just trade and commerce.

Constitutional ConventionWhat were the motives of our

Founding Fathers?To what extent was the Constitution a conservative reaction by “monied men” to their fear of the ordinary American citizen?What was the historical impact of the Great Compromise & the 3/5ths Compromise?

Federalist vs. Anti-FederalistStrongholds

Antifederalist Objections to Constitution

No Bill of RightsFear of abuse of centralized power & loss of state power, including executive branchConcern over federal power to tax, regulate trade, & raise armyFear of big states dominating small statesSlavery: Pro & anti groupsLack of democracy in elections