Constitution 101:
An Introduction & Overview to the US Constitution
United States Constitution 101
Articles of Confederation 1777
It was drafted by the
Continental Congress
in 1777
Formally ratified by all
13 states in 1781
Created to direct the
American
Revolutionary War
effort
Articles of Confederation
 "The United States
of America."
 Each state retains
its sovereignty
 Firm league of
friendship
 Allocates one vote
in the Congress of
the Confederation
to each state
John Adams, Gouverneur Morris, Alexander
Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson around table.
Why was it written?
 After the Revolutionary War, the Articles of
Confederation set up the structure of the US
Government.
 The federal government was extremely weak and
this created many problems such as:
1. Weak central government – states had most
power.
2. Congress did not have the power to tax – this
means they could not get their finances in
order.
 More problems with the Articles of Confederation:
3. In order to change the Articles, all thirteen
states had to approve of the changes. This made
it essentially impossible to make any changes.
4. For any major laws to pass they had to be
approved by 9 of the 13 states which was difficult.
Why was it written?
Shays’ Rebellion:
– An uprising of
farmers in
Massachusetts led by
Daniel Shays.
– They were
protesting the tax
burdens of states
and poor treatment
of veterans.
– Alexander Hamilton
would lead the call
for a Continental
Congress to form a
strong central
government.
"A scene at Springfield, during Shay's Rebellion, when the
mob attempted to prevent the holding of the Courts of
Justice."—E. Benjamin Andrews, 1895
What is the US Constitution?
 The supreme law of the United
States.
 It provides the framework for the
organization of the United States
Government.
What are the basic principles of the
Constitution?
I. Popular Sovereignty:
Government power
resides in the people
II. Limited government:
Government is not all
powerful, can only do
what the people let it.
III.Separation of Powers:
Helps prevent one
branch from becoming
too powerful
Checks and Balances
IV. Federalism
Division of power
among national and
state governments
What are the Checks and Balances?
Who Wrote It?
 James Madison is
considered “the father
of the Constitution.”
 His important
contributions:
–
–
–
–
The Virginia Plan
Separation of Powers
Bill of Rights
Notes on the convention– copy of
his notes to right.
When was it written?





Called the “Constitutional Convention.”
May 25th to September 17th, 1787
Philadelphia
Intention was to revise Articles of Confederation
Ended up replacing the Articles and creating a new
government
• 40 Signers
• Ben Franklin oldest at 81
• Jon Dayton youngest at 26
Ratification
 Officially adopted after
ratified by New
Hampshire.
 Once the new
government convened,
they added a Bill of Rights
to the Constitution.
“May it be to the world what I
believe it will be, to some parts
sooner, to others later, but
finally to all, the signal to
assume the blessings and
security of self-government, all
eyes are opened or opening to
the rights of man.”
Thomas Jefferson
Questions for discussion
 Do all people want
democracy?
 Should the Constitution
be viewed as a living
document or regarded
only in it’s original intent?
 Has the President become
too powerful?
 Does checks and balances
work too well, leading to
gridlock?