The Critical Period (1781-1787)

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The Critical Period (1781-1787)

• Unit 2 The Constitution of the United States
  (1783-1791)

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Forming New Governments

• After the war we had two tasks 1) Restructuring
  colonial governments and 2) Forming a national
  government
• Major Influences 1215-Magna Carta (Parliament),
  1689-English Bill of Rights (Limited Government),
  the Enlightenment, the Mayflower Compact, English
  and Colonial Tradition, Greek and Roman ideals,
  and Judeo-Christian traditions
• We had to create states 1st, then a United
  States. Which task was more difficult?

3
The Articles of Confederation

• Written in 1777 and adopted in 1781 the 13
  United States adopted their first constitution-
  The Articles of Confederation based on powers of
  old Continental Congress.
• It created a Firm League of Friendship with a
  weak national government. Like an alliance.
• The 13 states held the real power to govern.
• The powers granted to the federal govt were
  limited.
• It only lasted for 6 years (1781 1787).

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Why the Articles Failed?

• Couldnt regulate trade among states
• Couldnt impose tariffs
• Couldnt tax states
• States coined their money (inflation)
• No President
• Each state 1 Vote
• 3/4 vote to pass laws (9/13 majority)
• Amendment Unanimous Vote

5
The Straw That Broke the Camels Back!

• Captain Daniel Shays Rebellion -(1786)
  Massachusetts
• 1780s Depression Farmers couldnt pay their
  debts
• MA govtt determined to impose taxes to pay
  states debts
• 1200 farmers shut down the courts took up arms
  to stop foreclosures.
• Massachusetts sent the militia to suppress the
  rebellion.

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As a result, many Americans were convinced that
the U.S. needed a new government!
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Exit Slip The Critical Period

1. What was the name of the first government of the
   United States of America?
2. How did the Enlightenment help influence American
   beliefs about government?
3. Name one weakness of the new government that led
   to its failure?
4. His rebellion helped convince the founding
   fathers that a new government was needed?