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

Introduction

• Presenter: John Green
• Topic: The United States Constitution
• Goal: Explore how American government became globally influential; challenge the myth that other countries copied America's government.

Articles of Confederation

• Initial Government: First framework from the Continental Congress.
• Structure: One-house body of delegates, each state one vote.
• Weaknesses:
  • No president or judiciary.
  • Super majorities required for decisions, leading to inefficiency.
  • Congress limited in power (e.g., could not impose taxes).
• Achievements:
  • Won the American Revolutionary War.
  • Developed rules for the Northwest territory (e.g., Northwest Ordinance of 1787).

Problems and Shays' Rebellion

• Main Issue: Inability to collect taxes.
• Debt: Both national and state governments had significant debt.
• Trade Issues: States imposed individual tariffs; international trade issues with Britain.
• Shays' Rebellion:
  • Farmers in Massachusetts closed courts to prevent farm foreclosures.
  • Signaled the need for a stronger national government.

Constitutional Convention

• Annapolis Meeting (1786): Initial step to regulate trade.
• Philadelphia Convention (1787): Drafted a new Constitution instead of revising Articles.
• Delegates: Wealthy, educated, many veterans, desired stronger national government.

Key Agreements and Compromises

• Branch Structure: Executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
• Republicanism: Representatives rather than direct democracy.
• Great Compromise:
  • Bicameral legislature: House (population-based) and Senate (equal representation).
  • Terms: House (2 years), Senate (6 years).
• Three-Fifths Compromise: Slaves counted as three-fifths of a person for representation.
• Fugitive Slave Clause: Required escaped slaves to be returned.

Principles of the Constitution

• Separation of Powers: Legislative, executive, and judiciary with checks and balances.
• Federalism: Power shared between national and state governments.
• Electoral Safeguards:
  • Indirect election of President (Electoral College).
  • Senators initially elected by state legislatures.

Ratification and Federalist Papers

• Ratification Requirement: 9 out of 13 states.
• Federalist Papers: Persuasive essays for a strong national government.
  • Authors: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay.

Opposition: Anti-Federalists

• Support Base: Common people, small farmers.
• Concerns: Strong government favoring wealthy, less responsive to ordinary citizens.
• Advocacy for State Power: Believed state governments better protect rights.

Conclusion

• Constitution as a Starting Point:
  • Vague, details settled in political and military processes.
• Legacy: Ongoing debate on size and power of government.

Credits

• Crash Course Team:
  • Producer/Director: Stan Muller
  • Writers: Raoul Meyer, John Green
  • Script Supervisor: Meredith Danko
  • Editing: Stan and Mark Olson
  • Associate Producer: Danica Johnson
  • Graphics: Thought Bubble

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• End Note: Engage with questions on American history in comments. Remember, "Don't forget to be awesome."