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Declaration of Independence
-Set a foundation for our government
-Lists rights: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
-People have power in government
-All men are created equal
-Government's job is to secure rights of the people -
Articles of Confederation
-1st government (Confederate Government) - States had more power than national government
-Purpose: to create a stronger union and a government powerful enough to defeat Great Britain
-Had several weaknesses: no power of national taxation, no power to control trade, opposed any type of national authority, couldn't enforce legislation
-Result: Tossed out and a new, better government was created -
The Virginia and New Jersey Plans/Compromises
VA Plan - 2 houses, 3 branches, & representation based on wealth and population
NJ Plan - 1 house and equal representation (one vote per state) Great Compromise - Bicameral Congress; Senate - equal representation, House of Representatives - based on population
3/5ths Compromise - Slaves counted as 3/5ths a person into population for representation -
Federalists vs Anti -Federalists
Two groups formed in reaction to ratifying Constitution:
Federalists - supported ratification and wanted a strong national government
Anti-Federalists - Didn't support and wanted a strong state government (feared that national government would abuse power) -
Ratification of the Constitution
Federalists had to make a promise to the Anti- Federalists to add the Bill of Rights
-Bill of Rights: the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution
9/13 States ratified - Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Maryland, South Carolina, Virginia, and New York
Federalism was established - stronger national government
Separation of Government and Checks and Balances were establish
