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Chapter 7.1 Outline
Period:_____________
1. The Making of a Republic
A. After throwing off British rule, the independent states faced the challenge of governing
(controlling) themselves.
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The 13 states needed a plan of government that would satisfy all their needs.
In May 1776, Congress asked the states to organize their governments. Each state adopted a
state constitution, or plan of government.
B. Limits on Power
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After British rule, Americans were determined not to place too much power in the hands of
one ruler.
They created a constitution that limited the power of the governor (ruler).
Most states set up a two house, or bicameral, legislatures to divide the work of government.
Many of the first constitutions wanted to keep power in the hands of the people.
As a result, there were frequent elections and the voters chose the state legislators
(lawmakers).
However, this made legislatures (groups of lawmakers) become too powerful and there
were many disagreements over laws.
C. A New Republic
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Along with state governments, the American people needed to form a national government.
People agreed the new country should be a republic, a government in which citizens rule
through elected representatives.
2. The Articles of Confederation
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The Articles were written in 1777 by John Dickinson, a Penn. statesman
The Articles were accepted by Congress in 1781 and is considered the first national constitution
All 13 states had to approve of the Articles of Confederation.
The fear of having too much power in one person’s hands reflects the experiences the colonies
had under a monarchy
In the Articles the state governments limit the power of the national Congress
A. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
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Congress had no power to raise taxes
Congress had no power regulate foreign or state trade
Laws had to be approved by 9 out of 13 states
Congress did not have the power to enforce laws
B. Strengths of the Articles of Confederation
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The Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed
The Northwest Ordinance was past
Had the power to declare war and peace, print money, make treaties and settle state
disputes
C. Strengths of the Articles of Confederation: Settling Western Lands
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The Land Ordinance of 1785, stated that land in the west was to be surveyed using a grid
system to establish 6 mile blocks
The Northwest Ordinance assisted in the orderly expansion of the United States, it outlined
a plan for applying for statehood to western territories:
1. 5,000 free males who own 50 acres can start government
2. Population of 60,000 could become a state
D. Settling Western lands
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The Northwest Ordinance provides an orderly settlement process in the Northwest
Territory.
It promised:
1. No slavery
2. Education
3. Freedom of religion
4. Trial by jury
E. Northwest Territory
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The Northwest Territory was east of the Mississippi River and north of the Ohio River. The
states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin would be formed from this area.
Questions: Use your outline to answer the following questions in COMPLETE sentences:
1. The states adopted constitutions that limited the power of who?
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2. What was one strength of the Articles of Confederation? What was one weakness?
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3. What was the single territory that was created out of the lands north of the Ohio River and east of the
Mississippi River?
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4. What did the Northwest Ordinance say about slavery?
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5. What do you think was the biggest strength of the Articles of Confederation? What do you think was
its greatest weakness? Explain.
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