Overview
This lecture covers the challenges faced after the American Revolution, the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, and the key compromises and leadership that shaped the new government.
Challenges After the Revolution
- Many revolutions replaced one form of tyranny with another or fell into chaos.
- The U.S. avoided these pitfalls partly due to visionary leaders like George Washington.
- The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government unable to tax, regulate currency, or coordinate foreign policy.
- States prioritized their own interests, leading to debt, inflation, and unrest.
Move Toward a New Constitution
- The Confederation Congress was powerless to solve economic and political problems.
- Amending the Articles required unanimous agreement, which was nearly impossible.
- Shays’ Rebellion in 1786 highlighted the government's inability to maintain order.
- A Constitutional Convention was called in 1787, with George Washington agreeing to preside.
The Constitutional Convention & Key Compromises
- Delegates agreed the Articles were insufficient and decided to write a new Constitution.
- Large states wanted representation based on population; small states wanted equal representation.
- The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature: House of Representatives (population-based) and Senate (equal representation).
- The 3/5 Compromise counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.
Structure of the New Government
- The Constitution established three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, with checks and balances.
- The executive branch was vested in a single president, with George Washington expected as the first choice.
- The Constitution outlined the relationship between federal and state governments, amendment procedures, and ratification rules.
Ratification and Aftermath
- Federalists supported the new Constitution; Anti-Federalists opposed it due to the lack of a Bill of Rights and fear of strong executive power.
- Ratification required approval from nine states; Delaware was first, with Virginia and New York critical for legitimacy.
- The promise of adding a Bill of Rights helped secure ratification in key states.
- George Washington was unanimously elected as the first president.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Articles of Confederation — First U.S. governing document; created a weak central government.
- Constitutional Convention — 1787 meeting to draft the U.S. Constitution.
- Great Compromise — Agreement on legislative structure combining population-based and equal representation.
- 3/5 Compromise — Agreement to count slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.
- Federalists — Supporters of the new Constitution.
- Anti-Federalists — Opponents of the Constitution, advocating for a Bill of Rights.
- Bill of Rights — The first ten amendments guaranteeing individual freedoms.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the seven articles of the U.S. Constitution.
- Study the Federalist and Anti-Federalist arguments.
- Prepare notes on the key compromises of the Constitutional Convention.