To Form A More Perfect Union

Transcription

1 To Form A More Perfect Union

2 Definition o A constitution is a nation s basic law. It creates political institutions, assigns or divides powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Sets the broad rules of the game What are some non-government examples of a constitution? The rules are not neutral; some participants and policy options have advantages over others.

3 The Road to Revolution o Colonists faced tax increases after the French and Indian War. o Colonists lacked direct representation in parliament. Salutary Neglect o Colonial leaders formed the Continental Congress to address abuses of the English Crown.

4 Declaring Independence o In May and June 1776, the Continental Congress debated resolutions for independence. o The Declaration of Independence, which listed the colonists grievances against the British, is adopted on July 4, o Politically, the Declaration was a polemic, announcing and justifying revolution. o In what ways was this declaration dangerous for the members of the Continental Congress?

5 The English, John Locke Heritage: The Power of Ideas o Natural rights: rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on government o Consent of the governed: government derives its authority by sanction of the people o Limited Government: certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect natural rights of citizens

6 Winning Independence o In 1783, the American colonies prevailed in their war against England. The Conservative Revolution o Restored rights the colonists felt they had lost o Not a major change of lifestyles How was this different than the French revolution?

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8 The Articles of Confederation o The first document to govern the United States, it was adopted in 1777 and ratified in o It established a confederation, a league of friendship and perpetual union among 13 states and former colonies. o Congress had few powers; there was no president or national court system. o All government power rested in the states.

9 The Articles of Confederation o Why was there a problem with a weak national government? o Do you think the states would feel more obligated to support themselves or the Confederation? o What affect did this have on the centralization of power in America?

10 Changes in the States o Liberalized voting laws increased political participation and power among a new middle class. o An expanding economic middle class of farmers and craft workers counterbalanced the power of the old elite of professionals and wealthy merchants. o Ideas of equality spread and democracy took hold.

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12 Economic Turmoil o Postwar depression left farmers unable to pay debts o State legislatures sympathetic to farmers and passed laws that favored debtors over creditors o So what do you think the debtors did? o How does this affect interstate relations? The Economy? Shays Rebellion o Series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by Revolutionary War Captain Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings. o Economic elite concerned about Articles inability to limit these violations of individual s property rights o Why couldn t the government do anything about this under the Articles?

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14 The Aborted Annapolis Meeting o An attempt to discuss changes to the Articles of Confederation in September 1786 o Attended by only 12 delegates from 5 states o Called for a meeting in May 1787 to further discuss changes the Constitutional Convention

15 Gentlemen in Philadelphia o 55 men from 12 of the 13 states o Mostly wealthy planters & merchants o Most were college graduates with some political experience o Many were coastal residents from the larger cities, not the rural areas

16 Philosophy into Action, they agreed on: o Human Nature, which is self-interested o Political Conflict, which leads to factions o Objects of Government: including the preservation of property o Nature of Government, which sets power against power so that no one faction rises above and overwhelms another

17 The Equality Issues o Equality and Representation of the States New Jersey Plan equal representation in states Virginia Plan population-based representation Connecticut Compromise Congress and House o Slavery Three-fifths compromise o Political Equality and voting left to states

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19 The Economic Issues o States had tariffs on products from other states o Paper money was basically worthless o Congress couldn t raise money o Actions taken: Powers of Congress to be strengthened Powers of states to be limited

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21 The Individual Rights Issues o Some were written into the Constitution: Prohibits suspension of writ of habeas corpus No bills of attainder, punishment without trial Religious qualifications for holding office prohibited Strict rules of evidence for conviction of treason Right to trial by jury in criminal cases o Some were not mentioned Freedom of speech and expression Rights of the accused

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23 Who is James Madison? o Page 143 in your books. To prevent a tyranny of the majority, Madison proposed a government of: o Limiting Majority Control o Separating Powers o Creating Checks and Balances o Establishing a Federal System

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26 The Constitutional Republic o Republic: A form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws o Favors the status quo change is slow The End of the Beginning o The document was approved, but not unanimously. Now it had to be ratified.

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29 Federalist Papers o A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name Publius to defend the Constitution Bill of Rights o The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, drafted in response to some of the Anti- Federalist concerns about the lack of basic liberties

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31 Ratification o Lacking majority support, the Federalists specified that the Constitution be ratified by state conventions, not state legislatures. o Delaware first ratified the Constitution on December 7, o New Hampshire s approval (the ninth state to ratify) made the Constitution official six months later.

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34 Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), o Never Ratified The Informal Process of Constitutional Change o Judicial Interpretation Marbury v. Madison (1803): judicial review o Changing Political Practice: parties, election changes o Technology: mass media o Increasing Demands on Policymakers

35 The Constitution is short, with fewer than 8,000 words. It does not prescribe every detail. o There is no mention of congressional committees or independent regulatory commissions. The Constitution is not static, but flexible for future generations to determine their own needs.

36 The Constitution and Democracy o The Constitution is rarely described as democratic. o There has been a gradual democratization of the Constitution. The Constitution and the Scope of Government o Much of the Constitution reinforces individualism and provides multiple access points for citizens. o It also encourages stalemate and limits government.

37 The Constitution was ratified to strengthen congressional economic powers, even with disagreements over issues of equality. Protection of individual rights guaranteed through the Bill of Rights. Formal and informal changes continue to shape our Madisonian system of government.