The+Articles+of+Confederation+and+Creating+the+Constitution

toc When our nation first began, we had a great deal to figure out. What kind of government system would we have? How much power would we give to each state? How much power would we give to a central or national government? The new citizens of the United States were wary of a strong central government. They feared ending up in a similar situation as they had with Britain ruled by King George. To prevent one authority from getting too much power, they created the "__**Articles of Confederation**__." These Articles loosely bound the 13 states into a "league of friendship." However, the Articles did not allow for our new Congress to impose taxes. With no means of raising money, they had no way to run the business of the nation. Shay's rebellion highlighted the danger of having too weak a central government and led many of the Founders to feel that the current system of government was not working. They needed to revise and change the Articles of Confederation to give the central government more power, which still protecting and safeguarding the citizens basic rights and freedoms. They therefore called together a "__**Constitutional Convention**__" during which many of the issues and debates surrounding the formation of our nation were discussed and argued. From these Constitutional Conventions our nation's Constitution was formed.

__**Articles of Confederation**__
Powers of Congress under the Articles of Confederation

Packet on New Freedoms as a new nation, and New Challenges

__Creating the Constitution__
- Research and Debate

__**Constitutional Convention Debates **__

 * [[image:http://www.wnd.com/images/concon44.jpg caption="Constitutional Convention, Philadelphia (1787)"]] ||
 * Constitutional Convention, Philadelphia (1787) ||

Much of the time spent by the delegates attending the Constitutional Convention was spent in debate. Various ideas, perspectives, and positions all had to be discussed and negotiated in order for there to be a fully agreed upon government system with which to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Listed below are the **five major topics of debate** held at the **Constitutional Convention**. In your notes, gather research that accomplishes the follwoing:
 * Debate Issues **
 * ** Identifies the details of the issue as well as the arguments made by both sides on the issue. **
 * **Identifies the compromise solution to the problem. **
 * **Cites multiple sources.**

1. **How should states be represented** in the new government? (New Jersey Plan v. Virginia Plan)
 * Hart 109 - 110
 * Hippocampus: States' Plans
 * Hippocampus: [|Compromise Reigns]

2. **How should slaves be counted**? (North v. South)
 * Hart 111 - 112
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Hippocampus: [|Compromise Reigns]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">3. **Should the slave trade be allowed** to continue? (North v. South)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Hart 112

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">4. **How should the chief executive be elected**?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Hart 113

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">5. **Should the new constitution be approved**? (Federalists v. Anti-Federalists)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Hart 116
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Hippocampus: [|Ratification of the Constitution]

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Constitutional Convention Team Debates **
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Resources
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"><span class="wiki_link_ext">Policy Debate Format - Use this handout to gain a better understanding of how you need to prepare for your speaking role in the debate.

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 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"><span class="wiki_link_ext">Debate Graphic Organizer - use this handout to organize the key points of your debate.

STUDY GUIDES
Creating the Constitution Study Guide

Additional Study Guide Items

Creating the Constitution Review page //Make sure you feel confident about how to fill out this page before the test!!//