Overview
This lecture covered the transition from the American Revolution to the creation of the United States' first government under the Articles of Confederation, its challenges, and the issues leading up to the drafting of the Constitution.
Revolution vs. Evolution
- The American Revolution was a shift in mindset focused on equality and fair treatment.
- Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" captured public sentiment and pushed the drive for independence.
- The Declaration of Independence ended the push for reconciliation and began the evolutionary phase as a new nation.
Forming a New Government
- The Continental Congress was tasked to create a government for the independent states.
- The American idea of a constitution was a written document defining government powers derived from the people, unlike British tradition.
- Each state drafted its own constitution, often giving power to the people to prevent government abuses.
- John Adams' "Thoughts on Government" advocated power in the hands of the wise, an elected executive, bicameral legislature, and independent judiciary.
Articles of Confederation
- The Articles created a loose confederation—"a firm league of friendship"—between 13 sovereign states.
- The central government had minimal power, mainly foreign affairs and war management.
- States couldn't form alliances or maintain armies without Congressional approval.
- Major controversies: representation, taxation, and control of western territories delayed ratification.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles
- Strengths: Adequate for the time, reflected distrust of centralized power after British rule.
- Weaknesses: Congress couldn't regulate trade, tax, enforce laws, raise a national army, or easily pass or amend laws.
- All 13 states needed to agree to amend the Articles.
Managing Western Territories
- The Land Ordinance of 1785 organized western lands for sale to pay national debt.
- The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 created the Northwest Territory, established steps for statehood, protected settlers' rights, and banned slavery in new territories.
Shays' Rebellion and Calls for Change
- Post-war economic depression led to unrest, especially among indebted farmers.
- Daniel Shays led a rebellion to prevent land foreclosures in Massachusetts.
- Responses varied: Jefferson saw rebellion as necessary; Washington feared anarchy; Hamilton emphasized financial causes.
- The rebellion exposed the weakness of the Confederation government and increased calls for a stronger national government.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Articles of Confederation — The first constitution of the United States, creating a weak central government.
- Northwest Ordinance — Law organizing western territories and banning slavery there.
- Shays' Rebellion — 1786-87 farmer uprising highlighting weaknesses in federal authority.
- Confederation — Alliance of independent states with limited central power.
- Bicameral Legislature — Lawmaking body with two separate chambers or houses.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for a class discussion on John Adams' "Thoughts on Government."
- Review the powers given to states under early constitutions.
- Next lesson: How the Confederation responded to Shays' Rebellion.