“The Constitution was the most democratic deed ever created on planet Earth. It’s that impressive.”

Akhil R. Amar, Professor of Law, Yale University

It’s the hinge of history separating the millennium-

what happened before 1787 and, the 200+ years since.

The Constitution was the momentum of a revolutionary moment that brought together a people to govern themselves and to give to those who live today.

BUTFIRST…

The Second Continental Congress appointed a committee to draft a document that would establish the United States of America as a confederation of thirteen sovereign states to serve as their first constitution. It began on July 12, 1776 and was ratified by all thirteen states in early 1781.

The Articles of ConfederationAdvantages:

Even before ratification the Articlesprovided international legitimacy for the Congress to direct the War of Independence.

To conduct diplomacy with Europe.To deal with territorial issues.To deal with native American relations.

It was a loose confederation that many called a…….

It was the first framework for an American government.

With the world recognizing the United States of America, the Congress realized the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Levy Taxes Pay for an Army

Pass measures and laws with 2/3rds of the states’ approval.

Pay off debts

End Shays’ Rebellion

Stop Civil Unrest

HOW TO……

George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and others were aware of America’s victory over Great Britain was by a very small margin and if we don’t get it together soon we will lose the next war.

We must create one indivisible nation, in control of the continent and free so that no one can push us around.

The states sent their brightest to Philadelphia to fix the Articles of Confederation.

Without the ability to raise funds, a pillar of support collapses.

Without the ability to raise an army, another pillar of support collapses.

Without the funds to pay off the government’s debts, the Articles of Confederation will collapse.

FIX it or JUNK it?

They deliberated in secret with the doors and

windows closed and barred so there would be no leaks.

The days were hot, with no ventilation, and no indoor plumbing. All wore wool vests and formal wigs.

Yet they managed to form a new government.

The artists of these paintings failed to bar the windows!?!

Once they convened in Philadelphia, how long was it before they realized that the Articles had to be scrapped completely?It was James Madison, in a great strategic ploy, had come to the convention with his own plan which he had worked on all spring.It was to state the need for a supreme national government with a supreme legislature, executive, and judicial branches.

Build a strong central government while preserving thepower of the states

aka THE

ThreeBranches ofGovernment

Build a strong central government while preserving the power of the states

A way to share the power…… Federalism

James Monroe argued for a strong central government.He faced stiff opposition as the states didn’t want to lose their power, their autonomy.They were each strongly loyal to their home states and there was little trust.

The slave states of the South were suspicious of the free states of the North.

A big state like Virginia could stomp on a little state like Rhode Island.

13 StatesVirginia would argue, “We are the most populace of the 13 states, we should have the most say.”

Delaware would argue, “We are one of 13 states, each of the states has equal say.”

By Population10 1

Vg. 10; Conn 5; Mass 8; NH 3; Del 1; SC 5; NJ 4;Penn 8; NY 6; Geo 3; Md 6; NC 5; RI 1 65 seats

Virginia gets10 seats in theHouse.

Delaware gets1 seat in theHouse.

Each state gets2 seats.

13 x 2 = 26 Senators

2

Delaware gets2 seats

2Virginia gets2 seats

To declare war.

The Constitution Allows the Government the Power …..

To lay and collect taxes.

To coin money.

To regulate Commerce with Foreign Nations and among the several States.

The Constitution Allows the Government the Power …..

To make all laws that are

As the

By listing the powers of government they also limited them.

This is what the government can do and …..

nothing

More!

• Build their own Police Force.• Control their own

elections.• Build and run their

own schools.• Make their own

laws.• Enforce their own

laws as they saw

fit.

STATES FEDERALGOVERNMENT

The framers established a delicate balance between the states and the federal government.

The framers were striving for a balance of power.

Did they come up with the perfect compromise?

STATES FEDERALGOVERNMENT

Was everyone happy?

NO!

The Federal Constitution created………

a very limited federal government that can only do “enumerated powers.”

OR

an enormously powerful government.

Philadelphia HistorianRichard Beaman,Quote NO!

The Federal Constitution created………

a very limited federal government that can only do “enumerated powers.”

OR

an enormously powerful government.

That was t

heir fu

ndamental

dilemma.

That was t

heir fu

ndamental

dilemma.