<font face="Arial">Review:&#160;</font><p><font face="Arial"><br></font></p><p dir="ltr"><span>CHAPTER 4: A New Nation&#8212;The Documents</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>Definitions</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Pivotal</span><span>: Very important; something that causes a big change.</span><span><br></span><span>Adopted</span><span>: Chosen and accepted officially.</span><span><br></span><span>Ratified</span><span>: Approved and made official by a vote.</span><span><br></span><span>Sovereign</span><span>: Independent and in control of itself.</span><span><br></span><span>Establish</span><span>: To create or set up something.</span><span><br></span><span>Precedent</span><span>: An example from the past that guides future actions or decisions.</span><span><br></span><span>Preamble</span><span>: An introduction that explains the purpose of a document.</span><span><br></span><span>Legislative</span><span>: Related to making laws (Congress).</span><span><br></span><span>Executive</span><span>: Related to carrying out laws (President).</span><span><br></span><span>Judicial</span><span>: Related to interpreting laws (Courts).</span><span><br></span><span>Amendment: </span><span>&#160;A change or addition to a document, especially the Constitution.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"><span>This week, we&#8217;re diving into the founding documents of our nation.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>They are printed in this chapter and should be examined thoroughly. For now, we&#8217;ll walk through the key points together and discuss what made these documents so powerful&#8212;and why they still matter today.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><br></h2><h2 dir="ltr"><span>The Articles of Confederation</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Link: </span><a href="https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/articles-of-confederation"><span>https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/articles-of-confederation</span></a><span>&#160;</span></p><p><b><br><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States of America. It was </span><span>adopted</span><span> by the Second Continental Congress on November 15, 1777, and </span><span>ratified</span><span> by all 13 states in 1781. The Articles created a weak central government with limited powers. The states retained most of the power, and the federal government could not tax or regulate commerce.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Articles of Confederation were replaced by the United States Constitution in 1789 with much complaining from Rhode Island. The Constitution created a stronger central government with more powers. The states still retained some power, but the federal government was now supreme.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Strengths of the Articles of Confederation</span></p><ol><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Sovereign</span><span> States: The Articles of Confederation maintained the sovereignty and independence of individual states, which was crucial in preserving their autonomy after gaining independence from Britain.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Congressional Powers: The central government had the authority to declare war, conduct foreign affairs, and make treaties. It could also establish and maintain a military, coin money, and manage post offices.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Equal Representation: Each state had one vote in the Continental Congress, regardless of its size or population. This equal representation was seen as a fair way to prevent larger states from dominating smaller ones.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Admission of New States: The Articles </span><span>established </span><span>a process for new territories to become states, helping to expand the nation westward.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Land Ordinances: The Northwest Ordinance of 1787, under the Articles, provided a method for admitting new states from the Northwest Territory. It also prohibited slavery in this region, setting an important </span><span>precedent.</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr"><span>Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation:&#160;</span></p><ol><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>No Central Authority: The central government created by the Articles of Confederation was very weak. It lacked the power to tax, enforce laws, or regulate trade among the states effectively. These deficiencies made it unable to address economic and security issues adequately.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Financial Problems: The Articles did not grant the national government the authority to levy taxes. As a result, it struggled to raise revenue and pay off war debts. This led to economic instability and a lack of funds to maintain the military.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>No Executive or Judicial Branch: The Articles had no executive branch (president) or federal courts, making it difficult to enforce laws and resolve disputes among states.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Ineffective Amendments: Amending the Articles required unanimous consent from all 13 states, which was nearly impossible to achieve. This made it challenging to adapt to changing circumstances.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Interstate Disputes: The lack of a strong central authority meant that states frequently engaged in trade disputes, tariffs, and conflicts, hindering economic growth and stability.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Shays' Rebellion: This armed uprising by Massachusetts farmers in 1786-1787 highlighted the weakness of the central government's ability to maintain order and protect property rights.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Foreign Relations: The national government struggled to maintain diplomatic relations with foreign powers and protect American interests abroad due to its lack of authority and resources.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Inability to Raise an Army: The national government had difficulty raising and maintaining a standing army, leaving the nation vulnerable to potential threats.</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"><span>(Articles of Confederation, n.d.), (Weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, n.d.)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>The Constitution of the United States</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>Homework: Ken Burns Video:&#160; </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrMs94Ywy3A" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrMs94Ywy3A</a></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Print the constitution??:&#160; (about 9 pages)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States, serving as the framework for its government and outlining the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. It was adopted on September 17, 1787, and has since been amended 27 times.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Constitution consists of a preamble and seven articles. Here is a brief summary of each:</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Question: Who can recite the </span><span>preamble</span><span> to the Constitution?&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Answer: (leave lines for them to fill this in for their notes). They will be tested on it.&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span><br></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>*Video: School House Rock: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqvLi7qZ_yU"><span>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqvLi7qZ_yU</span></a><span>&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Article I: This article establishes the </span><span>legislativ</span><span>e branch of the government, known as the Congress. It consists of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate, and outlines their powers and responsibilities.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Article II: This article establishes the </span><span>executive</span><span> branch, headed by the President of the United States. It outlines the powers and duties of the president, including their role as commander-in-chief of the military.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Article III: This article establishes the </span><span>judicial</span><span> branch, which includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts. It outlines the jurisdiction and powers of the courts, including their authority to interpret the law and settle disputes.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Article IV: This article outlines the relationship between the states and the federal government. It ensures that each state has a republican form of government, outlines the obligations of the states to each other, and guarantees certain rights to citizens of all states.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Article V: This article outlines the process for amending the Constitution. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures to propose amendments. Amendments must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Article VI: This article establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, overriding any conflicting laws or treaties. It also requires government officials to take an oath to support the Constitution.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Constitution is followed by 27 </span><span>amendments</span><span>. The first ten, known as the Bill of Rights, protect individual rights and liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. The subsequent amendments cover a wide range of issues, including voting rights, presidential term limits, and the prohibition of slavery.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Overall, the Constitution of the United States provides the foundation for the country's system of government and protects the rights and freedoms of its citizens.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>(The Constitution of the United States, n.d.)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>The Bill of Rights</span></h2><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Link: </span><a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript"><span>https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript</span></a><span>&#160;</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Bill of Rights is the collective name for the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. It was added to the Constitution in 1791, shortly after its ratification, in order to protect individual liberties and limit the power of the federal government.&#160;</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Here is a summary of each amendment:</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>First Amendment: Protects freedom of religion, speech, the press, the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to petition the government for grievances.</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Second Amendment: Ensures the right of the people to keep and bear arms in order to maintain a well-regulated militia and for self-defense.</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Third Amendment: Prohibits the government from quartering troops in private homes during peacetime without the owner's consent.</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires search warrants to be issued based on probable cause.</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Fifth Amendment guarantees several rights in criminal proceedings, such as protection against self-incrimination, the right to due process of law, and protection against double jeopardy.</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Sixth Amendment: Ensures the right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to be informed of the nature and cause of accusations, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to legal counsel.</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Seventh Amendment: Preserves the right to a trial by jury in civil cases where the value in controversy exceeds $20.</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Eighth Amendment: Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, as well as excessive bail or fines.</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Ninth Amendment: Asserts that the rights listed in the Constitution are not exhaustive, and that the people have additional rights that should not be violated.</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Tenth Amendment: Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people, emphasizing the principle of federalism.</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><p dir="ltr"><span>(The Bill of Rights, n.d.)&#160;</span></p><p><b><br></b></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>Influencers: (not previously mentioned)</span></h2><h3 dir="ltr"><span>James Madison:&#160;</span></h3><h2 dir="ltr"><span>James Madison was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and played a significant role in the early history of the nation. He is often referred to as the &#34;Father of the Constitution&#34; for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the United States Constitution.&#160;</span></h2><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Madison was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he made invaluable contributions to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. He is known for his Virginia Plan, which formed the Constitution's structure, and for recording the convention's minutes.</span></h2></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, Madison co-authored a series of essays known as the Federalist Papers. These essays were instrumental in garnering support for the ratification of the Constitution by explaining its principles and addressing concerns.</span></h2></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Madison played a crucial role in advocating for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights in the Constitution. He authored many of the amendments that later became the Bill of Rights, which added critical protections for individual liberties.</span></h2></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Madison served as the fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817. During his presidency, he dealt with significant challenges, including the War of 1812 with Great Britain. It was during his presidency that the White House and the U.S. Capitol were burned by British forces in 1814.</span></h2></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Madison was a delegate to the Virginia Ratification Convention, where he played a pivotal role in securing Virginia's ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which was a critical step in the document's adoption.</span></h2></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Along with Thomas Jefferson, Madison was a co-founder of the Democratic-Republican Party, which later evolved into the Democratic Party. His political philosophy emphasized limited government, strict interpretation of the Constitution, and protection of individual rights.</span></h2></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Despite his contributions to the development of the United States Constitution and his advocacy for individual rights and freedoms, Madison was a slave owner throughout his life. At his Montpelier plantation in Virginia, he owned enslaved individuals who were forced to work on the plantation. Madison's views on slavery evolved, and later in life, he expressed regret about the institution's impact on the nation.&#160;</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>(James Madison, 2022)&#160;</span></p><h2 dir="ltr"><br></h2><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Roger Sherman:</span><span>&#160;</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>Roger Sherman was an American lawyer, politician, and Founding Father who played a significant role in the early history of the United States.</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Roger Sherman was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He represented Connecticut in the Continental Congress and was part of the committee responsible for drafting this historic document.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Sherman was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he made significant contributions to the drafting of the United States Constitution. He was known for proposing the &#34;Connecticut Compromise&#34; or the &#34;Great Compromise,&#34; which resolved the dispute between small and large states over representation in the legislative branch. The compromise led to the creation of a bicameral legislature with both a Senate (with equal representation for each state) and a House of Representatives (with representation based on population).</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Prior to the Great Compromise, Sherman also presented his own plan for representation in the new government, which helped lay the groundwork for the eventual compromise.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Sherman was involved in Connecticut state politics and government for many years. He served as a judge, a treasurer, and as the mayor of New Haven.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Sherman was a proponent of religious freedom and was involved in efforts to disestablish the Congregational Church in Connecticut, a move that contributed to greater religious liberty in the state.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>After the ratification of the Constitution, Sherman served as one of Connecticut's first U.S. Senators from 1789 until his death in 1793. He continued to be involved in shaping early federal legislation.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Despite being a slaveowner, Sherman supported measures for gradual emancipation. Sherman was a delegate to the Connecticut Constitutional Convention in 1818, where he advocated for a gradual emancipation provision in the state's constitution. This provision ultimately led to the gradual abolition of slavery in Connecticut.</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>(Roger Sherman, 2021)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>John Dickinson:</span><span>&#160;</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>John Dickinson was a prominent American lawyer, politician, and Founding Father who lived during the 18th century.</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Dickinson gained national prominence through his series of essays titled &#34;Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania,&#34; which were published in 1767 and 1768. In these letters, he argued against the Townshend Acts and British taxation of the American colonies without representation. His writings were widely read and helped galvanize opposition to British policies.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Dickinson was a delegate to the Continental Congress and played a key role in drafting the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States. The Articles served as the framework of government during the Revolutionary War and the early years of the nation.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Dickinson was also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he made important contributions to the development of the United States Constitution. However, he did not sign the final document because he had reservations about some aspects of it, particularly the strong centralized government it proposed.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Throughout his political career, Dickinson was known for advocating moderation and compromise. He often sought common ground between differing factions and regions, emphasizing the importance of unity and stability in the new nation.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>&#160;Dickinson served as a delegate to the Continental Congress from Pennsylvania, as well as in various roles in his home state, including as president (governor) of Delaware and president of Pennsylvania (a position similar to governor) during the Revolutionary period.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Dickinson held abolitionist views and was one of the early American leaders who supported the abolition of the international slave trade. He believed that the slave trade was incompatible with American ideals. Still, he participated in the slave trade.&#160;</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>(John Dickinson, 2021).</span></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 dir="ltr"><span>Richard Henry Lee:</span><span>&#160;</span></h3><p dir="ltr"><span>Richard Henry Lee was a prominent American statesman and Founding Father who played a significant role in the early history of the United States.&#160;</span></p><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Richard Henry Lee is perhaps best known for introducing the resolution for American independence in the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776. His resolution, often referred to as the Lee Resolution, called for the colonies to declare their independence from British rule. This resolution laid the groundwork for the subsequent drafting and adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Lee served as a delegate to the Continental Congress from Virginia from 1774 to 1779 and again from 1784 to 1785. He was an active participant in the early stages of the American Revolution and the drafting of important documents.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Richard Henry Lee was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, representing Virginia's interests in declaring independence from British rule.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Lee was a proponent of a stronger national government, and he played a role in the drafting of the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States. The Articles were adopted during his time in Congress in 1777.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>Lee served in various capacities in Virginia's state government, including as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses and as President of the Virginia Council.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>&#160;In the later stages of his political career, Lee expressed concerns about the proposed U.S. Constitution, particularly regarding the absence of a Bill of Rights. He was an Anti-Federalist and opposed the ratification of the Constitution in its original form. However, he ultimately supported the Constitution once the Bill of Rights was proposed and added as amendments.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><span>In a letter to Arthur Lee in 1778, Henry mentioned his concerns about the potential negative consequences of slavery on the American Revolution and the ideals of liberty. However, his actions did not align with any active efforts to abolish or significantly reform the institution during his lifetime.</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span>(Richard Henry Lee, n.d.)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 dir="ltr"><span>References:&#160;</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span>A&amp;E Networks Television. (2021, October 28). </span><span>Roger Sherman</span><span>. The Biography.com Website. https://www.biography.com/political-figures/roger-sherman&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Constitution Annotated. (n.d.). weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/intro.6-2/ALDE_00000049/&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>John Dickinson</span><span>. Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs - State of Delaware. (2021, April 16). https://history.delaware.gov/john-dickinson-plantation/dickinsonletters/john-dickinson/&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). </span><span>Articles of confederation (1777)</span><span>. National Archives and Records Administration. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/articles-of-confederation&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). </span><span>The constitution of the United States: A transcription</span><span>. National Archives and Records Administration. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). </span><span>The bill of rights: A transcription</span><span>. National Archives and Records Administration. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Richard Henry Lee (1733-1794)</span><span>. The American Revolution. (n.d.). https://www.ouramericanrevolution.org/index.cfm/people/view/pp0015&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The United States Government. (2022, December 23). </span><span>James Madison</span><span>. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/james-madison/&#160;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span><br></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span><b>HOMEWORK:  RECITE THE PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION VERBALLY NEXT WEEK!!</b></span></p>