Section 1: The Articles of Confederation

Section 2: Drafting and Ratifyingthe Constitution

Section 3: The Constitution: A Living Document

CHAPTER 5

From Confederation to Federal Union

SECTION 1

The Articles of Confederation

Question:What were weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation, and what problems did these cause?

SECTION 1

The Articles of Confederation

• All 13 states had to consent to changes in Articles• Major legislation needed the consent of all 13 states• Inability of Congress to levy taxes• Inability of Congress to regulate foreign trade

Weaknesses of National Government Under the

Articles of Confederation

LED TO

• Lack of confidence in government• Mounting national debt• Economic depression• Civil unrest

Problems Caused by Weaknesses of Articles

SECTION 2

Drafting and Ratifying the Constitution

Question:What were the constitutional compromises between the small and large states, slaveholding and free states, and northern and southern states?

SECTION 2

Drafting and Ratifying the Constitution

The Great Compromise

• granted each state an equal voice in theupper houseregardless of size

• accordedrepresentation in thelower house basedon population

CONSTITUTIONAL COMPROMISES

The Three-Fifths Compromise

• established that three fifths of a states slave population would count in determining its representation

Commerce Compromise

• established that Congress could levy tariffs on imports, but not exports

• allowed theimportation of slaves until the end of 1807

SECTION 3

The Constitution: A Living Document

Question:What are some potential drawbacks to the system of checks and balances?

SECTION 3

The Constitution: A Living Document

Potential Drawbacks to the Checks-and-Balances System

• political infighting

• political stalemates

• government shutdowns

• How does the organization of the federal government reflect concern about a powerful national government?

• How did the government’s economic policies lead to Shay’s Rebellion?

• How might framers of the Constitution have helped to ensure that more citizens had a voice in government?

• How does the organization of the federal government reflect concern about a powerful national government?

• How did the government’s economic policies lead to Shay’s Rebellion?

• How might framers of the Constitution have helped to ensure that more citizens had a voice in government?

CHAPTER 5

Chapter Wrap-Up