The Structure of the New

Government

The National Government

Checks and Balances

The Federal System

The Federal System

Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution

ISSUE ARTICLES CONSTITUTION

Representation of States

Each state received one vote regardless of size.

Each state receives 2 votes in the Senate; the number of votes in the House of Representatives is based on the population in each state.

Executive

There was no separate executive branch. The President merely presided over Congress.

President is chief administrator, commander in chief of military, chooses the Cabinet, and has checks on the power of the other two branches.

3/5/2014

O Essential Question(s):• What role should the government play in protecting rights?

ODo Now:OOpen Notes Quiz.

Objectives:•Contrast federalist and anti-federalist arguments (12.6.1.12.A.2.d)•Explain how and why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution•Trace the expansion of voting rights throughout American history (6.1.12.A.1.b).

Homework:•Begin Unit 1 Study Guide.

Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution

ISSUE ARTICLES CONSTITUTION

Amending the

Document

Unanimous agreement among the states was needed to amend the Articles.

2/3 of both houses of Congress plus 3/4 of state legislatures or a national convention are needed to amend the Constitution.

Federal Courts

There was no system of federal courts.

The Supreme Court has final say on all matters of federal law; Congress has the power to create and organize lower federal courts.

Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution

ISSUE ARTICLES CONSTITUTION

Regulation of Trade

The nat’l government did not have the power to regulate interstate trade.

Congress has the power to regulate trade between the states.

Raising an Army

Congress was dependent on states to (voluntarily) contribute forces.

Congress can call up state militias (National Guard) in times of national emergency.

TaxesCongress could only request that states pay taxes.

Congress can levy taxes and tariffs in order to pay debts & “provide for the common defense and general welfare” of the U.S.

Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution

ISSUE ARTICLES CONSTITUTION

Disputes Between States

There was a complicated system of arbitration.

The federal court system handles disputes between states and between citizens of different states.

Passing Laws

9 of the 13 states were needed to approve legislation.

50% plus 1 vote in both houses of Congress and the president's signature is needed pass a law.

Sovereignty

Most government power resides in the states.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the nation.

For Further Research

• Charters of Freedom: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html

• Bill of Rights Institute: http://billofrightsinstitute.org/

• Constitution for Kids: http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids.html

• Exploring Constitutional Law: http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/home.html

Government Sites

•Senate: http://www.senate.gov/

•House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/

•White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/

•Supreme Court: http://www.supremecourt.gov/