Chapter 8.1 Forming a Union

June 12, 1776
◦ A Committee in
Second Continental
Congress agreed to
create a national
government if America
does declare
independence from
England.
July 4, 1776

Congress issued the
Declaration of
Independence
◦ Written by Thomas
Jefferson
◦ Now it’s time for the
new government to
take place.
 Why?
◦ So when the war is over
we can start our own
country.
Americans Create a Republic

When the war ends…
◦ All 13 states ratify a
constitution known as
the Articles of
Confederation
 Ratify
◦ Give official approval
 Established the US as a
republic
◦ Citizens rule through
elected representatives
A.O.C. Creates a Weak National
Government

Articles of Confederation has one branch of government
◦ Called Congress
 It’s job? Make the laws for our country!
◦ How does it function?
 Each state shared power by having 1 representative
◦ 7 of 13 state representatives had to agree to make a law.
◦ No President or judicial branches
Early Problems in the Republic

Congress could not:
◦ Collect taxes
◦ Keep states from
printing their own
money
◦ Pass laws without
majority of 13 states
agreeing

Congress could:
◦ Borrow money from
other nations
◦ Declare war
◦ Enter treaties
◦ Pass laws with a
majority
One thing the A.O.C. got right…

They passed the
Land Ordinance of
1785
◦ Set up a system for
dividing up the
territory west of the
13 original states.
 This created the
opportunity to make
new states in the
future.
Northwest Ordinance of 1787

By 1787 enough
people had moved
into Ohio Valley
that laws had to be
made to govern
them.
 Called Northwest
Ordinance of 1787
How did the NW Ordinance work?

Created the Northwest Territory
◦ Would eventually become states
 Illinois
 Indiana
 Michigan
 Ohio
 Wisconsin

Set rules for these states to be created.
◦ Population had to be 60,000 or more
◦ Had to set a local republic form of government
 Led by a Governor
◦ Could not have slavery!!!
Northwest Territory

What is the Articles of Confederation?

What is the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

What states are included in the Northwest
Territory?
Review Questions…