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Foundations of American Government: Early State Constitutions and the Articles of Confederation

Before the Declaration of Independence was signed, Americans began drafting state constitutions to replace colonial charters and unify the new nation. New Hampshire led the way in 1776, establishing a written constitution. Subsequent states followed suit, forming governmental structures with legislatures, governors, and courts, often including a bill of rights. The Articles of Confederation, created in 1777, attempted to establish a unified government but revealed significant weaknesses, prompting calls for a stronger federal government, culminating in the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

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Foundations of American Government: Early State Constitutions and the Articles of Confederation

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  1. The Nation’s First Governments Chp2.3

  2. Early State Constitutions • Before the D of I was signed, Americans began preparing state constitutions to replace colonial charters • They also sought to create a central government that would unify and strengthen the 13 states • In January of 1776 New Hampshire became the 1st state and created a constitution, a written plan for government.

  3. Other States follow suit… • Each state had a legislature to create laws • Bicameral organization • Governor • Judges and courts to interpret laws • Most had bill of rights

  4. Massachusetts Constitution • Written in 1780 and still in effect today • Unlike other states, Massachusetts distributed power more evenly among the legislature, the governor, and courts (separation of power) • Court and governor could check power of legislature • It was created by a group of delegates elected for this purpose and approved by state citizens • Served as important model for US constitution

  5. Articles of Confederation • To become united under a central authority the Second Continental Congress created the Articles of Confederation in 1777 • The A of C create a union of states bound by a single purpose • Set up 1-house legislature and gave each state one vote • This congress had control of army and authority to deal with foreign affairs

  6. Weaknesses of A of C • No power to collect taxes…could ask but not demand • No power to regulate trade • No power to enforce its laws • Strict voting requirements made it difficult to accomplish anything • No national court • No central authority figure

  7. Despite a Weak National Government • America wins Revolutionary war and Britain formally recognizes their independence in 1783 in the treaty of Paris • America faced serious financial troubles because war is costly. • They borrowed money that would take years to repay and could not collect taxes • The states faced similar problems and were forced to burden citizens and hurt trade by taxing it heavily

  8. Public Insecurity • Feared for their safety and security • During 1786 and 1787 riots broke out • Daniel Shays and Shays rebellion- felt into debt in Massachusetts and courts threatened to take his farm. Led uprising of 1200 on federal arsenal • Quickly stopped but was a wake up call • A stronger federal government was needed and a constitutional convention was call in 1787

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