Crash Course U.S. History: The United States Constitution

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Topic: The United States Constitution
• Goal: Explore how the American style of government became influential and widespread.
• Clarification: No other country has directly copied the U.S. government system.

Articles of Confederation

• First American government, set up by the Continental Congress.
• Described as "bad" and lasted only 10 years.
• Framework: One-house body of delegates, each state had one vote.
• Key Problems:
  • No president or judiciary.
  • Decision-making required 9 out of 13 votes.
  • Limited powers: Declare war, conduct foreign affairs, make treaties, coin money.
  • Could not collect taxes; relied on states.
  • Amendment required unanimous vote; zero amendments passed.

Weaknesses

• Weak government due to fear of tyranny.
• Achievements: Won the war, handled land issues (Northwest Ordinance).
• Major Flaw: Could not collect taxes, leading to debt and reliance on state tariffs.
• Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787): Highlighted the inefficacy of the Articles government.

Constitutional Convention

• 1786: Annapolis meeting to regulate international trade failed.
• 1787: Philadelphia meeting to revise Articles led to the drafting of a new Constitution.

Delegates

• 55 delegates, mostly wealthy and educated.
• Shared goal: Stronger national government.
• Agreed on the need for executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
• Desired a republic with representatives, not direct democracy.

Conflicts and Compromises

• Dispute between large and small states:
  • Virginia Plan: Two-house legislature with proportional representation.
  • New Jersey Plan: Single house with equal representation.
  • Great Compromise: Two-house system; House of Representatives & Senate.
• Three-Fifths Compromise: Slaves counted as 3/5ths of a person for representation.
• Fugitive Slave Clause: Escaped slaves must be returned.

Principles

• Separation of Powers: Legislative, Executive, Judicial branches with checks and balances.
• Federalism: Authority shared between national and state governments.

Ratification and the Federalist Papers

• Required 9 out of 13 states to ratify.
• Federalist Papers by Hamilton, Madison, Jay: Advocated for a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

• Opposed strong national government.
• Advocated for local/state governments; feared concentration of power among the wealthy.

Legacy

• The Constitution as a starting point for evolving governance.
• Continues to be debated and interpreted through political processes and amendments.

Notable Points

• Second Amendment: Right to bear arms meant to protect against a standing army.
• Electoral College: Designed to prevent