One year after the Revolution began, the Second Continental Congress issued the DOI. Thomas Jefferson principal author, relied heavily on John Locke. It announces independence in 1st paragraph and focuses on concept of natural rights – those basic rights all humans should enjoy. Most of the document is a long list of grievances (complaints) against King George III.

_____________________________ were the first attempt at establishing last govt. The Second Continental Congress approved in 1777.

Established “firm league of friendship”

Each state had to ratify (formal approval). Most agreed within year

It set up a unicameral legislature, with no executive or judicial branch.

Weaknesses:No power to taxCouldn’t regulate trade between statesCouldn’t make states obey each others laws

– need 9 of 13 states to enforceAll 13 states had to approve amendments

(changes) to Articles

The Framers – delegates from each state – 55 attended

Never before or since has so remarkable a group been brought together, although Thomas Jefferson wasn’t there (in France).

Men of wide knowledge, public experience, wealth and prestige. Many fought in Revolution

Worked in secrecy to protect from outside pressures.

James Madison deserves title of “Father of Constitution” as floor leader and convention notes.

Momentous Decision – keep Articles or create new government?

Almost at once agreed to create new govt., Known as Randolph Resolution.

1. The Virginia Plan – largely plan of James Madison – Large state plan – called for govt. with 3 separate branches.

Congress would be bicameral (2 levels) – representation (number of votes) based on state’s population. Upper house appointed, lower house popularly elected.

Congress would choose a “National Executive” and “National Judiciary”

Goal was to create truly national govt. with greatly expanded powers, and the ability to enforce its decisions

2. The New Jersey Plan (small state plan)- small states objected to some parts of Virginia Plan. Didn’t want large states to dominate smaller states. Called for equal representation in legislature.

Called for unicameral (one level) legislature with each state fully represented

Federal executive of more than one person chosen by Congress

Federal Judiciary appointed by Federal executive

3. Compromises – Conflict between large and small states settled by the Connecticut Compromise which combined the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. Its often called the Great Compromise:Congress should be composed of 2 houses (levels). The Senate (upper house) all states would be represented equally. The House of Representatives (lower house) representation would be based on population.

4. Other Compromises The Three-Fifths Compromise – Should slaves be counted in the population of the Southern states? Finally agreed that “free persons” should be counted and so too should “three-fifths of all other persons.” Removed by the 13 Amendment, which abolished slavery.

The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise – Southern states worried that Congressional power to regulate foreign and interstate trade would be used against agricultural South. Afraid of export taxes on tobacco and slave trade. Compromise was that Congress was forbidden to tax the export of goods and couldn’t interfere with slave trade for 20 years.

Approved on September 17, 1787.

Chapter 2 Section 5 Ratifying the Constitution The Constitution was printed, circulated, and debated vigorously. Two groups emerged:

The Federalists – favored ratification. They stressed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation.

The Anti-Federalists – opposed the greatly strengthened powers of the central government, and the lack of a bill of rights.

Collection of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to support ratification of the Constitution. Excellent commentary on the Constitution. Still referenced today to explain the principles behind the Constitution.

Virginia and New York (largest states) each had close passing votes

Took effect in 1789

First capital was New York City