Unit 3: Articles and Constitution
The Confederation and the Constitution APUSH Chapter 9
Organizing Principle:The Articles of Confederation provided a
reasonable and workable transition from the unitary system of
British rule to the federal system established under the
Constitution.
The Pursuit of EqualityThere were many who felt this new country
should adopt new beliefs on the issue of equalityVirginia Statue
for Religious FreedomCreated in 1786 by Thomas Jefferson and his
co-reformers; stated that religion should not be imposed on anybody
and that each person decided his/her own faith.Quakers in
Pennsylvania created the first anti-slavery societyOther northern
states also moved to abolish slavery
The Pursuit of EqualitySociety of Cincinnati?
Egalitarianism?
republican motherhood?
State Constitutions p. 168The Declaration of Independence
created a need for new state constitutionsStates contained to
maintain sovereigntyStates were willing to fight together, but not
be ruled togetherSeveral states also moved their capitals westward
to avoid capture by BritainNew YorkNorth CarolinaSouth
CarolinaGeorgiaEconomic UncertaintyWar with Britain meant an end to
goods from BritainStates had to create their own goods, or do
withoutLack of goods caused unemployment and a rapid spread of
povertyMany states were more worried about economic policy than
they were about political policyArticles of ConfederationWritten
shortly after the Declaration of IndependenceWas necessary to show
France that the US had a governmentWas not ratified by all 13
states until 1781Was inherently weak why? No provisions for raising
taxesNo provisions for regulating foreign tradeNo executive or
judicial brachesNo power to raise a national armyEach state thought
of itself as a unique political unit Land Ordinance of 1785Very
confusing & overly detailed Divides land into townships Land
set aside for public schoolsOrderly settlement of old NW prevents
fraud & uncertain land claims
Northwest Ordinance of 1787 p. 174Only real piece of legislation
passed under the ArticlesThe old northwest territory was to be sold
and the money used to pay off the national debtSet forth
qualifications for statehoodPopulation of 60,000
New states would have all the rights and privileges of the
original 13Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin
resulted from the ordinanceWeaknesses of the ArticlesColonies were
free to make their own trade agreements with foreign countries
problem?Fear was that one state might sign an agreement that hurt
the othersBritain would not negotiate with any of the 13 states
causing further worsening of poor economic conditionsBritain
refused to send a minister to Americas backwoods capital Weaknesses
of the ArticlesThe British remained in their western forts and the
Americans were helpless to stop them why?The Americans did not
honor their treaty to repay the loyalistsThe states refused to send
money for repayment and there was nothing the Central government
could do about itWeaknesses of the ArticlesThe British retained
control of Canada and made new treaties with the nativesBoth
angered and scared the AmericansWithout a standing army and no
ability to raise one, the Americans were helplessWeaknesses of the
ArticlesSpain became openly hostile to the USAllowed Florida to
become a launching pad for renegades and criminalsClosed the
Mississippi river to American commerce in 1784The Articles rendered
the US incapable of defending itselfShays Rebellion1786: Western
MassachusettsBack-country farmers were in a desperate financial
situationLosing farms to back taxes and delinquent mortgages that
piled up during the Revolution The farmers were led by Captain
Daniel Shays, a former colonial officerThe rebellion was crushed,
but created fear among the elite of more mob revoltsWhat does
Shayss rebellion expose about the Articles of Confederation?
Essential Questions:Explain how weaknesses in the Articles of
Confederation and the rebellion led by Daniel Shays led to a call
for a stronger central government. Why are micro-rebellions
prevalent in the post revolutionary United States?
Constitutional ConventionIt became clear to many that the
Articles could not be fixedThe only option was to create an
entirely new government based on a constitutionThe convention
delegates acted with out permission from either Congress or the
statesAnnapolis Convention 1786The state of Virginia called for a
convention to be held in Annapolis, MarylandOnly 5 states
attendedAlexander Hamilton called upon Congress to call for a
convention to meet in Philadelphia to amend the Articles
Constitutional ConventionDelegates from every state but Rhode
Island convene in Philadelphia on May 25th, 1787The goal was to fix
the articlesAn attempt was make to rekindle the revolutionary
spiritGeorge Washington was elected as the convention leader
Constitutional ConventionVirginia Plan (James Madison)
Representation in Congress would be based on state
populationFavored the large states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, New
York, and Massachusetts
New Jersey Plan (William Patterson) Representation in Congress
would be equal among all states, regardless of population
The Great Compromise(Connecticut Compromise)Authored by Roger
Sherman Would consist of a bicameral legislatureHouse of
Representatives would be based on populationSenate would have two
members from each statePlan would also create an executive branch
(president)
The Great Compromise(Connecticut Compromise)Southern states felt
slighted by the planInsisted that slaves count as part of their
population why?New England states vigorously objectedSouthern
states threatened to leave if their demands were not met3/5th
compromise was adoptedSlave trade was to end by 1807All states but
Georgia forbid overseas slave tradeFurther WorkIt was decided the
new government would consist of three
branchesExecutiveLegislativeJudicialA system of checks and balances
would keep any one branch from dominating the othersWhat two groups
emerged? Federalists vs. Anti-FederalistsFederalists Favored new
ConstitutionStrong central govtbalance b/w states & national
govt What would protect Americans from tyranny? Checks &
Balances
Anti-Federalists Opposed to having a strong central
govtConstitution did not include specific protections for
individual rightsWhat would be included to protect individual
rights?
Federalists vs. Anti-FederalistsImmediate differences on what
type of government should be created became evidentFederalists -
Washington, Hamilton, FranklinSocial elites that lived along the
eastern seaboardWere typically richer and better educated than
their opponentsControlled the pressAnti-Federalists - Sam Adams,
Patrick Henry, Richard Henry LeeStates rights followersGenerally
poorer and less educatedFeared a strong central government would
hinder individual rights what did they demand?Bill of
RightsAnti-Federalists refused to approve to the constitution
without an assurance to protect individual rightsBill of Rights was
created1st ten amendments to the Constitution1-8 were guarantees or
individual rightsWere a reaction to laws placed upon them by the
British5 freedoms of 1st Amendment?Bill of Rights Freedom of
religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.Right to keep and
bear armsNo quartering of soldiers.Freedom from unreasonable
searches and seizures.Right to due process of law, freedom from
self-incrimination, double jeopardy.Rights of accused persons,
e.g., right to a speedy and public trial.Rights of accused persons,
e.g., right to a speedy and public trial.Freedom from excessive
bail, cruel and unusual punishmentsOther rights of the people.
Powers reserved to the states.
RatificationNine of the thirteen states immediately ratified the
ConstitutionDelaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia,
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, and New
HampshireFour other states were undecidedNew York, North Carolina,
Rhode Island, and VirginiaLaunching the New Ship of State APUSH
Chapter 10
Organizing Principles: Between 1789 and 1820 conflict over the
increasing power of the national government created intensified
sectional tension.Between 1789 and 1823 geographic isolation
allowed the Unites States to pursue a policy of selective
involvement in world affairs.
Growing PainsIn 1789, the new U.S. Constitution was launched,
and the population was doubling every 20 years. Americas population
was still 90% rural, with 5% living west of the
Appalachians.Vermont became the 14th state in 1791, and Kentucky,
Tennessee, and Ohio (states where trans-Appalachian overflow was
concentrated) became states soon after.Visitors looked down upon
the crude, rough pioneers, and these western people were restive
and dubiously loyal at best.
Growing PainsAmerica was also heavily in debt, and paper money
was worthlessRestless monarchs watched to see if the U.S. could
succeed in setting up a republic while facing such overwhelming
oddsWashington for PresidentAt 64, 175 pounds, with broad and
sloping shoulders, a strongly pointed chin and pockmarks from
smallpox, George Washington was an imposing figure, which helped in
his getting unanimously elected as president by the Electoral
College in 1789.Washington as President His long journey from Mt.
Vernon to New York (capital at the time) was a triumphant
procession filled with cheering crowds and roaring festivities, and
he took his oath of office on April 30, 1789, on a balcony
overlooking Wall Street.Washington as PresidentWashington
established a diverse cabinet (which was not necessary
Constitutional).Secretary of State: Thomas JeffersonSecretary of
the Treasury: Alexander HamiltonSecretary of War: Henry Knox
The Bill of RightsMany states had ratified the Constitution on
the condition that there would be a Bill of RightsAnti-Federalists
had criticized the Constitution for its lack of a Bill. The
necessary number of states adopted the Bill of Rights in 1791.Bill
of RightsAmendment I: Freedom of religion, speech or press,
assembly, and petition.Amendment II: Right to bear arms (for
militia). Amendment III: Soldiers cant be housed in civilian homes
during peacetime.Amendment IV: No unreasonable searches; all
searches require warrants. Amendment V: Right to refuse to speak
during a civil trial; No Double Jeopardy.Bill of RightsAmendment
VI: Right to a speedy and public trial. Amendment VII: Right to
trial by jury when the sum exceeds $20. Amendment VIII: No
excessive bails and/or fines.Amendment IX: Other rights not
enumerated are also in effect. (Peoples Rights Amendment) Amendment
X: Unlisted powers belong to the state. (States Rights
Amendment)Other ActsJudiciary Act 1789Created an effective system
of Federal courtsWas opposed by many states rights leadersJohn Jay
became the first chief justice of the Supreme CourtHamiltons
Financial PlanCreation of a National DebtThe country was in debt to
the tune of 54 millionHamilton suggested that the government borrow
the money to pay the debtWould leave the country in debtWas seen by
many as an attempt to make the US a permanent debtor
nationHamiltons Financial PlanAssumption of States debtsSome states
were left with huge debts from the RevolutionMassachusetts's was in
dire straits, while others like Virginia had very littlePlan would
make states responsible for each others debtVirginia strongly
objected, as did the smaller statesVirginia agrees after getting
the capital moved to their stateHamiltons Financial PlanThe US
deficit quickly ballooned to over 75 millionHamilton was
unconcerned by the debtPeople were more likely to be interested in
the growth and development of the country if the country owed them
moneyTo help lessen the debt, Hamilton proposedImport tariff of
8%Excise tax on whiskey of 7 cents per gallonHamiltons Financial
PlanNational bankHamilton proposed a national treasuryTo be a
private institution modeled after the Bank of EnglandTo have the
federal government as a major stockholderTo circulate cash to
stimulate businessesTo store excess money, and to print money that
was worth somethingThis was opposed by Jefferson as being
unconstitutional (as well as a tool for the rich to better
themselves).Hamiltons Financial PlanHamiltons ViewsWhat was not
forbidden in the Constitution was permitted.A bank was necessary
and proper (from Constitution).He evolved the Elastic Clause, AKA
the necessary and proper clause, which would greatly expand federal
power. This is a loose interpretation of the Constitution.
Hamiltons Financial PlanJeffersons ViewsWhat was not permitted
was forbidden.A bank should be a state-controlled item (since the
10th Amendment says powers not delegated in the Constitution are
left to the states).The Constitution should be interpreted
literally and through a strict interpretation.
Hamiltons Financial PlanHamilton won the dispute, and Washington
reluctantly signed the bank measure into law. The Bank of the
United States was created by Congress in 1791, and was chartered
for 20 years. It was located in Philadelphia and was to have a
capital of $10 million.Stock was thrown open to public sale, and
surprisingly, a milling crowd oversubscribed in two hours.
The Whiskey RebellionIn 1794, in western Pennsylvania, the
Whiskey Rebellion flared up when fed-up farmers revolted against
Hamiltons excise tax. They said theyd been unfairly singled out to
be taxed.They cried taxation without representation since many were
from Tennessee and Kentucky which were not yet states and had no
one in Congress.
The Whiskey RebellionWashington cautiously sent an army of about
13,000 troops from various states to the revolt, but the soldiers
found nothing upon arrival; the rebels had scattered.Washingtons
new presidency now commanded new respect, but anti-federalists
criticized the governments use of a sledgehammer to crush a gnat.
The lesson of the Whiskey Rebellion this government, unlike the
Articles, was strong!Development of Political PartiesHamiltons
financial policies were seen by many as an encroachment on states
rightsAs resentment grew, Jefferson moved to take a personal
dislike of Hamilton publicTwo parties were created around these
menFederalists: HamiltonDemocratic-Republicans: Jefferson
Development of Political PartiesThe founding fathers did not
wish to have political partiesWhigs and Tories were present, but
just as groups not organized partiesWashington in particular did
not want the rancor that would come with the division caused by
partiesImpact of the French RevolutionThe French Revolution greatly
affected AmericaAmericans were thrilled when the French using the
US as a model, overthrew a despot and sought to establish a
republicWhen the revolution turned bloody with the Reign of Terror,
US sentiment turned against the FrenchWhen France declared war on
Britain, it appeared the US would be forced to enter the fray
Washington and NeutralityThe Democratic-Republicans called for
the entry of the US on the side of the FrenchThey had been the
primary reason the Americans won the revolutionThe Federalists
called for entering the war on the side of the BritishHamilton felt
it would aid us to help our number one trading partnerWashington
and NeutralityWashington felt the US would come apart if they
entered the war on either sideEconomy was too weakUS had a small
and ineffective militaryWashington proclaimed the official American
stance would be neutralityBoth France and Britain were upset by
this stance, Jefferson was particularly upset at what he thought
was a cowardly moveCitizen Edmond GentCame to the US to rally
support for the French causeWas greeted by wild cheering crowds in
many US citiesCalled for the US to help the FrenchSought to enlist
Americans citizens to fight for the FrenchWashington ordered him to
quit and asked him to leave the countryProblems with BritainThe
British were still in their western fortsThey were secretly
supplying the natives with weaponsEncouraging the natives to launch
raids against American settlersThe British were ignoring US
neutralityBritish navy had seized over 300 American merchant
shipsHad forced thousands of US sailors into the Royal Navy
(impressment)Democratic-Republicans called for was against
Britain
Jays TreatyWashington fearing war with the British, sends John
Jay to negotiate with the BritishJay negotiated what many felt was
overly favorable for BritainBritain would repay the lost money from
recent merchant ship seizures called impressment, but it said
nothing about future seizures or supplying Indians with
arms.America would have to pay off its pre-Revolutionary War debts
to Britain.Democratic-Republicans from the South were furious, as
the southern farmers would have to pay while the northern merchants
would be paid. Jays effigy was burnt in the streets. However, war
was avoided.
Pinckneys TreatyWhile Jay was negotiating with Britain, Pinckney
of SC was talking to SpainSpain agreed to give the US unfettered
access to the Mississippi RiverSet up process for future US
possession of FloridaWas seen by many as proof that the
Democratic-Republicans were stronger than the
FederalistsWashingtons Farewell AddressWashington had been superb
as the first presidentThe country was sturdy and on its way to
becoming a major nationWashington warned againstPolitical
partiesForging permanent alliances with foreign nationsJohn Adams
PresidencyAdams defeated a very popular Thomas Jefferson to become
the 2nd President of the USHamilton hated Adams and worked against
both Adams and his vice president JeffersonAdams did not replace
any of Washingtons advisors which proved to be a mistakeWashingtons
advisors were loyal to HamiltonHamilton used them to sabotage the
executive branch
Unofficial/Quasi War with FranceFrance was upset with Jays
treatyCalled it a violation of the 1788 Franco-American treatyBegan
to seize US merchant vessels who were helpless to do anything about
itThe US navy was also unable to help, frustrating the people of
the US
X, Y, Z AffairAdams sent three emissaries to France to negotiate
with TalleyrandThe US delegation was asked to pay for the honor of
just meeting with the French MinisterThey declined to pay and
returned homeAmericans greeted the emissaries as heroes for doing
the right thingX, Y, Z AffairThe US public called for war, but
Adams knew that war was not an optionThe US waged an unofficial war
for over two years, attacking and taking French ships when
possibleAdams as a StatesmanNapoleon anxious to take Europe, sought
to sign an agreement with the US to eliminate any chance of war
with AmericaAgainst the wishes of the general public, Adams sent
three American envoys to ParisA treaty was signed in 1800Ended the
1778 AllianceUS must pay France for the loss of its merchant
shipsTreaty kept the US out of a war it could not winCost Adams
popular supportAlien and Sedition ActsFederalists sought to
reinforce their vision for America which favored the educated
eliteAlien ActChanged residency requirement for citizenship from 5
to 14 yearsPresident was allowed to jail foreigners during times of
peace and deport them during times of warAlien and Sedition
ActsSedition ActProvided that anyone who impeded the policies of
the government or falsely defamed its officials, including the
president, would be liable to a heavy fine and imprisonmentLaw was
aimed at the Democratic-Republicans and the Newspaper editors who
supported themWas passed by the Federalists House and Senate and
upheld by the Federalist courtsAlien and Sedition ActsThe Sedition
Act wasCompletely unconstitutionalWas written into law because the
Federalists controlled both houses of CongressWas upheld because
the Federalists dominated the courtsWas the final blow to Adams
popularity
The Virginia Jefferson and Kentucky Madison ResolutionsJefferson
feared that the Federalists, having wiped out freedom of speech and
of the press, might wipe out more.He wrote a series of
legislationKentucky Resolution in 1798-99, and friend James Madison
wrote another series of legislation (less extreme) called the
Virginia Resolution. Compact Theory of Govt13 states, in creating
the federal government, had entered into a contract regarding its
jurisdiction, and the individual states were the final judges of
the laws passed in CongressSince the states made the federal
government, the states reserve the right to nullify those federal
lawsThis legislation set out to kill the Sedition and Alien
LawsOnly those two states adopted the laws. Federalists, though,
argued that the people, not the states, had made the contract, and
it was up to the Supreme Court to nullify legislation,A procedure
that it adopted in 1803. While neither Madison nor Jefferson wanted
secession, they did want an end to Federalist abuses
Federalists v. Democratic-RepublicansFederalistsMost Federalists
were the old Federalists from before the Constitution.They wanted a
strong government ruled by the educated aristocrats, the best
people.Most were the merchants, manufacturers, and shippers along
the Atlantic seaboard.They were mostly pro-British and recognized
that foreign trade was key in the U.S.
Federalists v.
Democratic-RepublicansDemocratic-RepublicansRepublicans were led by
Thomas Jefferson, a poor speaker but a great leader, and an
appealer to the common people. They desired rule by informed
classes and a weaker central government that would preserve the
sovereignty of the states. They were mostly pro-French. Jefferson
was rich and even owned slaves, but he sympathized with the common
people. They emphasized that national debt had to be paid
off.Federalists v. Democratic-RepublicansDemocratic-RepublicansThey
were mostly agrarians (farmers), and insisted on No privileges for
the upper class. They saw farming was a noble professionHe
advocated rule of the people, but not all the people, just those
who werent ignorant.