ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION TO THE CONSTITUTION
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ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION TO THE CONSTITUTION
Articles of Confederation
The representatives of the thirteen states agree to create a confederacy called the United States of America, in which each state maintains its own sovereignty and all rights to govern, except those rights specifically granted to Congress.
These thirteen states enter into a firm "league of friendship" for the purpose of defending each other.
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
I. Currency Issues
• The United States did not have a common currency.
• Americans carried money from
the federal government, state
government, and foreign nations.
• Merchants stopped accepting money from outside of their
own state, causing a lot of money to become worthless.
• This caused an increase in inflation. (Steady rise in prices
relating to an increased volume of money and credit resulting
in a loss in the value of the currency.)
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
II. Debt
• Congress could not tax the people and depended on money
from the states. (no power to tax)
• Therefore, the U.S. was unable to pay its debts!
Examples:
- The U.S. owed money to France, Holland, and Spain for
loans made during the Revolutionary War.
- The U.S. had not paid many of their own soldiers!
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
III. International and Domestic Problems
• The U.S. lacked the
military power to defend
itself against Great Britain
and Spain.
• States acted as
individual countries and
seldom agreed. (i.e.
sending troops to fight)
Example:
- Connecticut and Virginia
almost went to war over
land claims!
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
Courts (Judicial Branch)
• The nation lacked a
national court system.
Supreme Court
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
President (Executive Branch)
• The nation did not have a
President, or Chief Executive.
White House
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
Congress (Legislative Branch)
• Laws were difficult to pass, needing the
approval of nine states.
• Congress was responsible to the states
(legislatures or Governors), not the people.
• Congress had no power to collect taxes,
coin money, or establish a military.
• Congress had one house. (unicameral)
Capitol Building
ComparisonArticles of Confederation Constitution of the United States
Major power held by individualstates
Powers shared between states and central government
National government had no power to tax, no power to enforce laws
National government had power to tax and regulate trade
At the national level-one house legislature, no executive, no court system
Three branches at the national level—executive, legislative, judicial
Introduction to the U.S. Constitution
Written in Philadelphia
Original intent was to revise the Articles
Washington was the President of the convention; James Madison was the “Father” of the Constitution
39 men signed it in 1787
Objective: Three major problems would arise during the convention…How do we solve them?
COMPROMISE!!!!!
3 BIG FIGHTS!!
North vs. South
Big vs. Little
Federalist vs. Antifederalist
•How to count
slaves for
representation
(Southern)
and taxation
(Northern)
purposes
• 3 out of
every 5 slaves
would be
counted.
North vs. South: Three-
Fifths Compromise
- It called for a
unicameral
legislature, in
which every state
received one vote.
Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan
- Both plans
called for a
strong
national
government
with 3
branches.
- It called for a
bicameral legislature,
in which the number
of representatives in
each house would
depend on the
population of the
state.
Big v. Little: Great Compromise-Connecticut Compromise
eCompromise ComCompromise Compromise)• It provided for a bicameral Congress.
A. House of Representatives – each state is represented according
to its population (satisfied the VA Plan)
B. Senate – each state has 2 Senators (satisfied the NJ Plan)
* Both houses of Congress must pass every law.
Federalism vs. Antifederalism
Some states wanted to preserve more states rights. Others wanted to protect individuals’ rights.
Compromise?
Bill of Rights!
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION
I. Popular Sovereignty The people hold the ultimate authority
The first three words of the Constitution are “We the People”
A representative democracy lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them.
Sen. Tim Kaine, Sen. Mark Warner, and Rep. Randy Forbes are our elected officials in Congress
II. Limited Government
Framers wanted to guard against tyranny
Government is limited to the power given them in the Constitution.
The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed
III. Federalism
The division of power between State and National Governments
Some powers are shared
The National Government has the “supreme power”
IV. Separation of Powers
No one holds “too much” power
Legislative branch makes the laws
Executive branch carries out the laws
Judicial branch interprets the laws
Legislative Branch
Senate and House of Representatives
Make our laws
Appropriate Money
Regulate Immigration
Establish Post Offices and Roads
Regulate Interstate Commerce and Transportation
Declare War
Executive Branch
The President enforces the law
Chief Diplomat
Chief Executive
Chief of State
Chief Legislator (suggests laws to Congress)
Commander in Chief
Economic Planner
Party Leader
Judicial Branch
Interprets the law
Supreme Court and other Federal Courts
Preserve and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution
Considers cases involving national laws
Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”
V. Checks and Balances
Prevents the abuse of power in government
Each branch can check each other branch
Executive Checks
Propose laws to Congress
Veto laws made by Congress
Negotiate foreign treaties
Appoint federal judges
Grant pardons to federal offenders
Legislative Checks Override president’s veto
Ratify treaties
Confirm executive appointments (S.C. Judges, Cabinet Officials)
Impeach federal officers and judges
Create and dissolve lower federal courts
Judicial Checks Declare executive acts unconstitutional
Declare laws unconstitutional
Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional
The Supreme Court holds the final check
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