The Constitutional Era – Study Guide 1776 – The 2nd Continental Congress drew up plans for a new government 1777 - The Articles of Confederation was adopted in November 1781 – The Articles of Confederation were approved in March and became America’s 1st Constitution. Powers of the Articles of Confederation: (p.206) 1) 3) 2) 4) Accomplishments of the Articles of Confederation: Ordinance of 1785 The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 Treaty of Paris (1783) Problems: Financial Robert Morris Import Tax Problems with Britain and Spain Economic Depression Shay’s Rebellion The Issue of Slavery Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation: 1) 3) 2) 4) 1787 Constitutional Convention – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 55 delegates - George Washington chosen as the presiding officer - Secret sessions closed to the public - Many attended - but no women, Blacks, or Native Americans attended 2 plans were immediately introduced: The Virginia Plan The New Jersey Plan The delegates had to decide whether to revise (fix) the Articles or write a new plan of government. They chose a new plan of government. Now the question of representation that divided the larger and smaller states had to be worked out. How would each state be represented? How were the members of Congress be elected? Were slaves to be counted as part of that representation? These 3 questions led to compromises: The Great Compromise 3/5th Compromise Commerce (Trade) Compromise A Bill of Rights were proposed and defeated. Sept 17, 1787 – the draft of the Constitution was approved. Roots of the Constitution - Magna Carta, 1215 - English Bill of Rights, 1689 - The Enlightment Movement - Philosophical Thinkers: o John Locke o Baron de Montesquieu The Organization of Government The Legislative Branch (Article 1) – Makes the laws The Executive Branch (Article 2) – Enforces the laws The Judicial Branch (Article 3) – Interprets the laws The Constitutional Debate Federalists Anti-federalists Adopting the Constitution – Delaware - 1st state to ratify, Dec 1787 New Hampshire - 9th state to ratify, Jun 1788 Rhode Island – last state to ratify, May 1790 1791 - Bill of Rights added. Bill of Rights How Grievances addressed in the Declaration of Independence was resolved in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The Preamble - Introduction Goals (6): The Constitution Major Principles of the Constitution: 1) Popular Sovereignty 2) Republicanism 3) Limited Government 4) Federalism 5) Separation of Powers 6) Checks and Balances 7) Individual Rights The Federal System: Enumerated Powers Concurrent Powers Reserved Powers Passing A Bill (p. 225) Amending the Constitution (p.220) The Electoral College (see handout) A Living and Breathing Constitution -Amendments - changes to the Constitution, to keep up with the changing needs of a nation. - Implied Powers -Elastic Clause: a provision of the Constitution that provides Congress with the power to enact any laws they deem necessary to carry out its other powers. Vocabulary Constituents Ratify (Ratification) Amendment Due process of law Impeach Preamble Enlightenment Compromise Ordinance Bicameral