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

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Topic: United States Constitution
• Theme: Exploration of how the U.S. government became influential globally, although not directly copied.

Government Before the Constitution

• Articles of Confederation (1777-1788):
  • First government set up by the Continental Congress.
  • Framework described as a "firm league of friendship."
  • Consisted of a one-house body of delegates with each state having one vote.
  • No president or judiciary.
  • Required nine of the thirteen votes for decisions.
  • Limited powers: declare war, conduct foreign affairs, make treaties, coin money.
  • Could not collect taxes; left to states.
  • Unanimous vote required for amendments; none passed.

Achievements

• Won the Revolutionary War.
• Northwest Ordinance of 1787:
  • Process for creating five new states.
  • Acknowledged Native American land claims.
  • Outlawed slavery in new states.

Problems Under the Articles of Confederation

• Unable to collect taxes led to financial issues.
• Shays' Rebellion (1786-87):
  • Uprising in Massachusetts due to economic hardships and debt.
  • Highlighted weaknesses of the Articles government.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

• Meeting in Philadelphia:
  • Initially aimed to revise Articles; ended up drafting a new Constitution.
  • Delegates: Wealthy, educated, many war veterans.
  • Agreement on a stronger national government with branches: executive, legislative, judicial.

Key Compromises

• Great Compromise:

  • Bicameral legislature: House of Representatives (population-based) and Senate (equal representation).

• Three-Fifths Compromise:

  • Slave states could count three-fifths of their slave population for representation purposes.

Concepts

• Separation of Powers and Federalism:

  • Checks and balances among branches.
  • Authority in both national and state governments.

• Electoral College:

  • Indirect election system for President.

Ratification and Federalist Papers

• Nine of thirteen states needed for ratification.
• Federalist Papers:
  • Essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay supporting a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

• Criticized potential for a large, overpowering government.
• Preferred local/state governance.

Legacy

• Constitution as a living document.
• Emphasized ongoing political process and compromises.

End Note

• Constitution remains foundational to American governance.
• Produced by Crash Course team, encouraging audience engagement with history.

Remember to review key characterizations such as the structure and impact of the Articles of Confederation, the significant compromises made during the Constitutional Convention, and the arguments made by Federalists and Anti-Federalists.