Articles Of Confederation And U.s. Constitution (1783-1789)

Front 1

Themes

Back 1

1. Articles of Confederation establish an ineffective government
2. critical period – will the country survive?
3. constitution written to assure adequate central government compatible with freedom from tyranny

Front 2

Articles of Confederation

Back 2

1. Congress was a place where “ambassadors from the states” meet
2. no executive to carry out laws
3. no federal courts to settle disputes
4. congress cannot tax – only ask for money

Front 3

Critical Period

Back 3

1. Northwest Ordinance and the Ordinance of 1785
2. monetary chaos – rivalry between states provides incentive for new constitution
3. Shay’s Rebellion

Front 4

Constitution

Back 4

1. convention in Philadelphia – Madison, Washington the leaders
2. principles-
a. federalism
b. separation of powers
c. checks and balances
3. compromised to accomplish aims
4. Article 1 - Legislative Branch
5. Article 2 - Executive Branch
6. Article 3 - Judicial Branch
7. Amendments by 2/3 of Congress, ¾ of state legislatures
8. Federalist Papers argued successfully for passage – Jay, Hamilton, Madison
9. Bill of Rights – first ten amendments guaranteeing personal liberty were added immediately

Front 5

Legislative Branch

Back 5

4. Article 1 – legislature
a. two houses, Senate by states, House of Representatives by population
b. law passed by majority of both houses and signed by President
c. Cam over ride a veto by 2/3 vote
d. House can impeach. Senate approves appointments by majority vote, approves treaties
e. enumerated areas in which pass laws plus elastic clause

Front 6

Executive Branch

Back 6

5. Article 2 – Executive – President
a. carries out laws
b. conducts foreign policy
c. appoints federal judges
d. commander –in- chief

Front 7

Judicial Branch

Back 7

6. Article 3 – Judiciary – Supreme Court
a. tries cases between states
b. tries cases against federal laws
c. lower courts established by Congress