We dedicate this book to Dougie Wilcox

We defeated Great Britian in the Revolutionary War. But we have no government to sustain society. We have no clue what to do!

Oh, we should come up with the Ariticles of Confederation!

Articles Of Confederation

Article 3

The states are all coming together to protect one another, secure the liberties of the people , and trade among each other.

Here is a list of 3 Articles in the A.O.C

Articles of Confederation Continued

Article 5

Every year state legislature must send representatives to congress. Each state must send at least 2 and no more than 7. Each state only has one vote in congress.

This year I am the delegate from New York

Articles of Confederation Continued

Article 13

All states agree to follow the rules of the Articles of Confederation. To amend or make adjustments, congress and state representatives must all agree.

I agree

I agree

State Power Vs. National Power under the A.O.C

Under the A.O.C the state had most of the power. They could create taxes. each State retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power.

The national central government was weak. The only way they could raise money was by asking for states for funds, and borrowing from foreign lands.

What is State Power you ask?

Failures of A.O.C

Failures occurred because

-No money and no power to tax

-The central government had no power over state governments and their citizens.

-Unenforceable trade agreements,

-Unfair competition among the states

-Couldn't regulate trade

-No common currency

-Making laws required 9 states approval

-Admendments to laws 13 states approval

Although the Articles were a good Idea, they had their flaws and here is why.

The Need for Somthing Different

-Boundary lines were an issue between states

-The states were arguing over tariffs

-There was en economic depression for farmers and small merchants

Shays' Rebellion

Farmers could not pay off their land and were jailed or had property taken away from them. In 1786 several hundred farmers gathered and closed two courts and stopped land seizures. This convinced people that there was a need for change.

I could not afford to pay my land off and then they came and sent me to jail. That is when I knew there was a need for change.

Whats Next?

Meeting at Mount Vernon

Washington invite representatives to discuss the differences between Virginia and Maryland. This lead to the two states inviting all other states to meet in Annapolis.

Annapolis Meeting

Only 5 states sent representatives in 1787. The purpose of the meeting was to change the Articles of Confederation in order to strengthen the National Government. In Febuary of 1787 congress calls a meeting.

I thought it would be nice to have them meet with me to discuss the future.

Constitutional Convention

Who Attended

-55 delegates, 4 of the most influential men were Hamilton, Randolph, G. Morris, and Madison

-Over half graduated from college

When & Where

1787 in Philadelphi at Independence Hall

Also came up the the Virgina plan and the New Jersery plan that lead to the Great Compromise.

Federalists

Federalists were supporters of the constitution .

Federalists used the A.O.C to solve problems.

Stronger national government

"Extend the sphere, and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens" (Paragrapgh 20 Federalists papers)

James Madison was a federalist!

John Jay was a federalist!

Alexander Hamilton was a federalist!