To show why the colonies were revolting against Britain and Declaring their Independence
Purpose of the Declaration of Independence
The first constitution
Articles of Confederation
The Constitution was written here
Philadelphia Convention
Believed the U.S. would not survive under the Articles of Confederation.
Federalists
3 branches and what do they do
Legislative - The authority to make laws for the nation
Executive - Responsible for “faithfully executing” or enforcing the laws of the United States, including federal court rulings
Judicial - Responsible for interpreting the Constitution and laws passed by Congress
Explains why the Continental Congress wrote the Declaration of Independence
Preamble
the type of relationship between Britain and America
toxic
This is not mentioned in the Constitution
Slavery
Believed the Constitution would create too strong a central (federal) government that would threaten individual freedom.
Anti-federalists
the principle that a government’s power is derived from the people.
Popular sovereignty
Specifically blame King George III
List of Grievances
How many states needed to approve a law
9 out of 13
Name the proposal of the Virginia Plan
Each state would be given a number of votes / delegates based on their states’ population.
a series of essays written in favor of the Constitution that were printed around the country
Federalist Papers
the practice of dividing and sharing the powers of government
Federalism
List one Grievance
uBritish soldiers in colonies without permission
Quartering British troops in the colonies
Not punishing these troops when they harm colonists
Cutting off the colonists’ trade with the rest of the world
Taxing the colonists without their permission
Proved that a stronger central government was needed
Shay's Rebellion
Many delegates believed this needed to be added to the Constitution to protect individuals
bill of rights
Wanted individual freedoms (Bill of Rights) to be outlined in the Constitution.
Anti-Federalists
regulate intrastate trade
Reserved powers
Name the 4 parts of the Declaration of Independence
Preamble
Declaration of Natural Rights
List of Grievances
Resolution of Independence
Debt became a problem because of these 2 reasons
national government could not tax, and the national money was worthless
The Great Compromise established this
Set up a bicameral (two-house) legislature.
It took this long for all 13 states to ratify the Constitution.
almost 2 ½ years
Federalism lacks
clarity in identifying who is responsible for what