POWERPOINT 6POWERPOINT 6

Toward a More Perfect Union, 1783 - 1788

Politics and Change in the New Politics and Change in the New RepublicRepublic

In the Articles of Confederation, the federal government was an agent of the states

Most power was in the hands of states and their strong republican state constitutions

Women get little attention from new government Republican motherhood Judith Sargent Murray

Growing abolition movement in North indicates future problems for Union

Religious freedom of expression grows, but religious tests for public office remain common

North America in 1783

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Challenges to the ConfederationChallenges to the Confederation

Inability to tax becomes major problem Congress lacks ability to discharge debt Newburgh Conspiracy

Demobilization of troops is additional problem Congress faces large war debt

Robert Morris proposed the Bank of the United States Created in 1781, it was seen by some as tool of commercial

elite

John Jay negotiated with Spain on issue of ports Americans forced to adopt policy changes dealing

with Native Americans Theyendanerea (Joseph Brant)

Northwest OrdinancesNorthwest Ordinances

Congress passes Northwest Ordinances to regulate settlement there Three ordinances passed (1784, 1785, and 1787) Speculators, like Ohio Company, purchased land rights

from Natives and federal authorities Provide means for distributing land Government hoped to raise revenue Establish guidelines for formation of new states 1787 Ordinance grants citizens’ rights and prohibited

slavery from region

Western Land Cessions, 1782-1802

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Land Ordinance of 1785

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The Northwest Territory and the Rectangular Survey

Political and Economic TurmoilPolitical and Economic Turmoil

English demands for payment in specie and imposition of state taxes overburden ordinary Americans

Farmers feel left out of decision-making Massachusetts farmers join Shays’ Rebellion

Daniel Shay Riot Act of Massachusetts Government troops dispersed Shay’s forces Disqualification Act

The Movement for Constitutional The Movement for Constitutional ReformReform Philadelphia Convention of May 1787 addresses

nation’s problems Constitutional Convention in the fall sets out to

establish a workable government Virginia Plan/ bicameral houses, lower house elected

upper house, appointed executive and judicial branch New Jersey/ one-house, equal representation, expanded

Congressional powers “Great compromise” expands role of federal

government, combined elements of other plans

Constitutional ReformConstitutional Reform (cont.’d)(cont.’d)

Convention decisions establishment of electoral college balance of power in Congress provision for using population for both representation

and taxation Three-Fifths Compromise

Debate over ratification divides Americans Federalists prevail The Federalist In June 1788, with New Hampshire ratification,

Constitution adopted

Ratification of Constitution

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Web

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

Analyze the Articles of Confederation. What issues did they fail to address?

Examine the causes and consequences of Shay’s Rebellion.

How did the Northwest Ordinance affect the lives of natives and Americans?

Compare the plans presented at the Constitutional Convention. What compromise was finally adapted?