Articles of Confederation & Northwest Ordinance

• The Articles of Confederation was the first official Constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781 after settling territorial and trade disputes.
• It aimed to unite state governments under a loose federal government, which retained power to declare war, borrow money, and engage with Native Americans.
• The federal government was responsible for settling state disputes and making treaties but lacked enforcement power, leading to state competition and discontent.
• Issues included the federal government's inability to levy direct taxes or compel states to send soldiers, and unregulated state money printing led to devaluation.
• Lawmaking power rested with the states, requiring agreement from nine of thirteen states to pass new laws.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

• The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 addressed the creation of new states in the Northwest Territory.
• Larger states ceded western land claims to alleviate smaller states' concerns and allow new states, including provisions for human rights.
• Provisions included abolition of slavery in the Northwest Territory, freedom of religion, and right to a jury trial.
• The order to protect Native American lands and rights was widely ignored.
• The Ordinance specifically outlined the legal path to statehood.

Shays' Rebellion

• Shays' Rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger central government.
• Shay was given a pension for military service.
• Shay died in poverty as a drinker.
• The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the Constitutional Convention for the U.S. Constitution.

Constitutional Convention

• The Articles of Confederation were deemed too weak due to insufficient power accorded to the federal government over the states.
• Twelve of thirteen original states sent delegates to the Constitutional Convention to design a stronger government.
• The Great Compromise led to a bicameral government, combining the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan with proportional and equal representation.
• The Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788.
• Compromises included creating the electoral college and the three-fifths compromise.
• US state electors decide the winner of Presidential elections through the electoral college.
• The three-fifths compromise determined that enslaved people would be partially counted for political representation.

Constitution of the United States

• Founding Fathers created the Constitution of the United States to be the foundation of the federal government.
• The Constitution was ratified in 1788 immediately after its creation.
• The Constitution starts with the Preamble, followed by articles and amendments.
• Article II states a presidential candidate must be US-born, at least 35 years old, deliver a State of the Union address, and serve a maximum of two four-year terms.
• Article I outlines the duties and responsibilities of the legislative branch (US Congress).
• Article III establishes the judicial branch to interpret laws.
• The Constitution is considered a critical and influential legal document.

Bill Of Rights

• The Bill of Rights was essential for the Constitution's ratification.
• It guarantees the rights of U.S. citizens.

Principles of Government

• Popular sovereignty means the government operates with the people's consent and authority.
• Limited government restricts the government's powers and functions as defined in the Constitution.
• Separation of powers and checks and balances are evident in the lawmaking process.
• Congress can pass a bill with a majority vote, which the president can sign into law or veto.
• Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority.
• The judicial branch can deem laws unconstitutional, checking the legislative and executive branches.
• Federalism divides power between the federal government and state governments.
• The federal government can print money for uniformity, while state governments have unique powers.
• The Guiding principles of the U.S. Government were considered essential by the Founding Fathers in preserving liberty and equality of the people.

George Washington

• President Washington created his Cabinet to advise him on national issues.
• The new government had to address economic problems such as paying off war debts and creating a financial plan.
• Hamilton's plan included paying off state war debts, raising revenue through tariffs, and supporting a national bank.
• President Washington's decision to step down after two terms set a precedent for presidents only serving eight years.
• George Washington warned against political parties.
• Alexander Hamilton led the Federalists, and Thomas Jefferson led the Democratic-Republicans, establishing a two-party system.

Federalists

• Federalists favored a strong central government.
• They supported a national bank and an economy based on manufacturing, foreign trade, and commerce.
• Federalists believed wealthy property owners were most suited to govern.

Democratic-Republicans

• Democratic-Republicans opposed a strong central government, advocating for states' rights.
• They wanted an economy based on small farmers (agrarian society).
• Common people and farmers should govern; wanted to lower voting restrictions.
• Both parties aimed to form a government supporting liberty and freedom from the American Revolution.

Foreign Policy Challenges

• The US had border disputes with Spain and Britain after the Revolutionary War.
• The French Revolution and Revolutionary Wars pulled the US toward war.

George Washington's Neutrality

• President George Washington wanted to keep the United States neutral.
• He feared potential reconquest by Britain and knew America lacked resources for war.

Treaty of San Lorenzo (Pinckney's Treaty)

• Negotiated with Spain by Thomas Pinckney.
• Spain recognized US southern and western border claims, allowing access to Mississippi and Alabama.
• US traders could engage in commerce along the Mississippi River and deposit goods duty-free in New Orleans.

Jay Treaty

• Negotiated with Britain by Chief Justice John Jay.
• Britain agreed to withdraw from disputed forts but not to cease impressment.
• The treaty prevented war but was unpopular.
• Tensions with France escalated, challenging the US in the 1790s.

The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, served as the first U.S. Constitution, uniting states under a loose federal government. The federal government could declare war and make treaties, however, it lacked enforcement power. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 addressed creating new states.