The Growth of a New Nation
The Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Convention
The Articles of Confederation
What were the Articles of Confederation?
Though this was a step toward self-governance, and the Articles did have its strengths, they also had their share of weaknesses as well. Check out the link below for more information.
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United We Stand...
Writing Reflection:
The Northwest Ordinance and Land Ordinance of 1785
Land Ordinance of 1785
Northwest Ordinance (1787)
The Colonies after the Treaty of Paris
The United States and the Northwest Territory
The Township System.
From the prior video, what was the square mileage of a township?
What was its price per acre?
Discussion Questions:
Why did every township have sections reserved for schools and churches?
Why would it be important to establish a land system such as townships?
Writing Reflection:
Shay's Rebellion
Key Concepts/Definitions:
Shay’s Rebellion: armed uprising in Massachusetts led by farmer Daniel Shays that created
awareness of the need for a stronger national government
Government: the institution in which society makes and enforces its public policies.
Article: a particular section or item of a series in a written document, such as a contract,
constitution, or treaty.
Confederation: a loose union of independent states
Federation: a jointing together of states in a league or federal union
The Constitutional Convention of 1787
What was the Constitutional Convention?
Just because I like Snoopy...
Interactive map of 18th Century Philadelphia
Let's Make a Deal!
After the Constitutional Convention agreed that the Articles of Confederation needed to be fixed, the Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, and Slave Trade Compromise dealt with the issues of Representation and slavery.
Constitutional Influences
The Constitutional Principles
Separation of Powers
Each of these branches is given "checks" in order to keep one branch from making major changes without the others agreeing. (Checks and Balances)
Checks and Balances Political Cartoons
Popular Sovereignty
The Rule of Law
Representative Government
To sum it up...
Separation of Powers Quiz Game
Copy of the U.S. Constitution
Preamble to the Constitution Matching Game
Failed Constitutional Amendments
Selling the Constitution
Federalists vs. Anti-federalists
The Anti-federalists: Those who opposed the proposed Constitution. They argued that it gave too much power to the central government and could threaten civil liberties, since it lacked a bill of rights to protect them. They also felt that it gave the central government too much power at the expense of state governments.
Famous Federalists
James Madison
He wrote over a third of the Federalist Papers to promote its ratification.
Alexander Hamilton
He was pivotal in convincing New York to vote for ratification of the Constitution.
John Jay
Prominent Anti-federalists
Patrick Henry
George Mason
Samuel Adams
Propaganda
Click the link below to take a look at the Federalists (Federalist Papers)
Click on the link below to see what the Anti-federalists wrote in opposition to the Constitution. (Anti-federalist Papers)
The Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights Quiz Game
Group Project:
You and your group will be creating a song, a video, a poem, or a skit that shows how each of these rights impact you today. See the teacher for details!