Crash Course US History: The United States Constitution

Introduction

• Discussion on how the American style of government influenced the world.
• The US Constitution was not the original government system.

Articles of Confederation

• Established by the Continental Congress.
• Governed from 1788.
• Described as weak and inefficient.
  • No president or judiciary.
  • Required a two-thirds majority for decisions.
  • Could not collect taxes, leading to financial issues.
• Achievements:
  • Won the war.
  • Established the Northwest Ordinance (1787).

Problems with the Articles

• Could not collect taxes.
• States imposed tariffs individually, complicating trade.
• Shays’ Rebellion (1786-87) highlighted weaknesses.

The Constitutional Convention

• Meeting in Philadelphia to revise the Articles.
• Resulted in drafting the US Constitution.
• Delegates were mostly wealthy and educated.

Key Agreements

• Wanted a stronger national government.
• Three branches of government: Executive, Legislative, Judicial.
• Republican government with representatives.

Key Conflicts

• Large vs. small states:
  • Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan.
  • Resolved by the Great Compromise (bicameral legislature).
• Slavery and representation:
  • Resolved by the Three-Fifths Compromise.

Slavery Compromises

• Three-Fifths Compromise for representation.
• Fugitive Slave Clause.

Principles of the Constitution

• Separation of Powers: Legislative, Executive, Judiciary.
• Federalism: Authority shared between national and state governments.

Checks and Balances

• Designed to protect against tyranny from the government and the people.
• Electoral College to elect the President.

Ratification and Federalist Papers

• Needed 9 of 13 states to ratify.
• Federalist Papers written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Anti-Federalists' Concerns

• Focused on state rights and fear of strong national government.
• Highlighted issues with large governments and empires.

Conclusion

• Constitution is a starting point, with details fleshed out in practice and conflict.
• Ongoing debate about size and power of government.

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• Crash Course Team
  • Produced by Stan Muller, written by Raoul Meyer and John Green.