Republicanism Eighteenth-century Americans believed that a democracy, or government directly by the people, placed too much power in the hands of the uneducated masses. Therefore they favored a republic. However, republicanism meant different things to different Americans. Some people like John Dickinson, believed that a republic required a virtuous people. New government could only succeed, they argued, if people placed the goods of the nation above their personal interests. Other Americans influenced by the writings of the philosopher and economist Adam Smith, believed that a republic would benefit from self-interest. They asserted that if a government allowed independence citizens to pursue their own economic and political interests the whole nation would benefit.
Republic- A government in which citizens rule through their elected representatives. Republicanism- The idea the governments should be based on the consent of the people (not to be confused with Republicanism of the modern-day political party) |
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The Articles of Confederation Provided two levels of government and shared fundamental powers. State governments were supreme in some matters, while the national government was supreme in other matters. The delegates called this new form of government a confederation, or alliance. Gave the new national government power to declare war, make peace, and sign treaties. It could borrow money, set standards for coins and for weights and measures, establish a postal service, and deal with Native American peoples. However, it created no separate executive department to carry out and enforce acts of Congress and no national court system to interpret the law.
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The Constitution The constitution was a form of federalism and divided power between the national government and the state governments. They were granted to the national government and the state governments. They were know as delegated powers, or enumerated powers. These include control of foreign affairs, providing national defense, regulating trade between states, and coining money. They kept reserved powers. These include providing and supervising education, establishing marriage laws, and regulating trade within a state.
They also started the separation of powers, which are the three branches of government. legislative branch- to make laws executive branch- to carry out laws judicial branch- to interpret the law Then delegates established a system of checks and balances to prevent one branch from dominating the others. The Bill of Rights In September 1789, Congress submitted 12 amendments to the state legislatures for ratification. By December 1791, the required three-fourths of the states had ratified ten of the amendments, which later became known as The Bill of Rights.
The first eight amendments spell out the personal liberties the states had requested. The Ninth and Tenth amendments impose general limits on the powers of the federal government. The First Amendment- Religious and political freedom The Second Amendment- Right to bear arms The Third Amendment- Freedom from quartering troops The Fourth Amendment- Freedom against unreasonable search and seizure The Fifth Amendment- Rights of accused persons The Sixth Amendment- Rights to a speedy, public trail The Seventh Amendment- Right to a trial by jury. The Eighth Amendment- Limits on fines and punishments The Ninth Amendment- Right of the people The Tenth Amendment- Powers of states and the people Important PeopleJames Madison- From Virginia met up with Alexander Hamilton for a state delegates meeting to discuss issues of interstate trade. Came up with the Virginia Plan. Known as the "Father of the Constitution".
Roger Sherman- Born in Massachusetts, political leader from Connecticut, he suggested the Great Compromise. Helped draft the Declaration of Independence. Important TermsLand Ordinance of 1785- An establishment the Congress passed which is a plan for surveying the land.
Northwest Ordinance of 1787- Congress provided a procedure for dividing the land into territories. Set requirement for the admission of new states which looked over Native American land claims Shay's Rebellion- farmers' protest caused panic and dismay through nations. Every state had debt-ridden farmers. Great Compromise- Made by Roger Sherman, offered two-house Congress to satisfy both small and big states. Both would have equal representation in the Senate, or upper class. Three-Fifths Compromise- called for 3/5 pf state's slaves to be counted as population. Electoral College- A group of electors chosen by state who would cast ballots for the candidates.
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Federalists and AntifederalistsFederalists- Supporters of the Constitution.
They favored the new Constitution's balance of power between the states and the national government. They would protect Americans from the tyranny of centralized authority. Federalist leaders included; Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. These three men made a 85 essay series defending the Constitution called "The Federalist". Appeared in New York newspapers between 1787 and 1788. Antifederalists- Against the Constitution. Opposing of having a strong government. They countered the Federalist's idea and made up a list of possible abuses of power by a strong central government. Bill Of Rights (as students)1. The right to use the restroom when you have to
2. The right to listen to our choice of music individually 3. The right to express ourselves as an individual 4. The right to sleep in (within reason) 5. The right to eat whenever you are hungry 6. The right to wear what you want (within reason) 7. The right to stand in class, etc when your legs get tired 8. The right to check your phone (within reason) 9. Leave when you are over whelmed with a high amount of stress/anxiety and count as a medical (mental health issues) 10. Leave the school to get lunch from Fast Food restaurants that are near the school. |