Weak Confederation
Articles of confederation
1st gov. formed for the 13 colonies after independence from Britain
limitations of the central government
Bill of Rights
10 Amendment
Federalists wanted/thought
Yes, to the Constitution b/c the Articles of Confederation gave too much power to the states. Central gov had ENOUGH power.
Preamble
intro: We the people of the United States...
Importance of understanding public issues
making informed decisions when voting
Strengths of the Articles of Confederation
States had power to make their own decisions
Checks and balances
3 branches of government - 2 can limit the power of the others
Antifederalists
Bill of Rights was NEEDED
Didn't want the gov to have too much power
The _________, or senate, introduce a __________, if approved he president signs it and becomes a ____________.
legislative branch, bill, law
protect other people of crimes they didn't commit
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Paper money had no value
Britain didn't remove its troops
Didn't regulate trade
English influences on the Bill of Rights
• Regular Parliamentary elections
• Right to bear arms
• Right of habeas corpus
"This Constitution is said to have beautiful features, but . . . they appear to me horribly frightful. . . . Your President may become king . . . If your American chief be a man of ambition and abilities, how easy is it for him to render himself absolute!"
—Patrick Henry, Speech to the Virginia Convention, June 1788
President has too much power
¾ of _____________ must approve an amendment before it becomes law
state legislature
I hereby declare, on oath, that . . . I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies . . . that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same . . . so help me God.
—Oath of Allegiance to the United States
This oath is made when a person —
Naturalized American Citizen
After the War, demands for goods went down leading to ....
economic depression
Magna Carta influences the Constitution
trial by jury
own private property
Federalists Papers
The Constitution would still protect states' rights.
Pro-Constitution
13, 14, 15 amendments
13- ended slavery
14- citizenship
15- voting rights
An amendment can be proposed by
2/3 of the House and Senate
Northwest Ordinance
No slavery, basic rights, 60,000 free settlers to become a state
The Great Compromise
-Upper/Lower House
Rightfully representing each state:
Lower- House of Representatives - popular vote
Upper- Senate- 2 senators for all
3/5 Compromise
3 out of every 5 slaves would be counted - helped southern states be more represented
amendment 26
voting age of 18
Civil responsibilities
Informed on public issues
Obey laws
Voting
Jury duty
defend nation
Participate in the community