US History Textbook 8th Grade Chapter 4 Forming a Government

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17 75
Forming a
Government
Government
4
CHAPTER
17771791
110 CHAPTER 4
1777
The Continental
Congress approves
the Articles of
Confederation on
November 15.
1778
The United States
and France
become allies.
A Newspaper Editorial It is 1788 and you’re writing an
editorial for a local newspaper. You want to convince your
readers that the new Constitution will be much better than
the old Articles of Confederation. In this chapter you’ll find
the information you need to support your opinion.
FOCUS ON WRITING
History–Social Science
8.2 Students analyze the political principles underlying the
U.S. Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied
powers of the federal government.
8.3 Students understand the foundation of the American
political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it.
8.9 Students analyze the early and steady attempts to abolish
slavery and to realize the ideals of the Declaration of
Independence.
Analysis Skills
CS 1 Students explain how major events are related to one
another in time.
HI 2 Students understand and distinguish cause, effect,
sequence, and correlation in historical events.
HR 5 Students detect different historical points of view.
English–Language Arts
Writing 8.2.4.a Write persuasive compositions that include
a well-defi ned thesis.
Reading 8.2.0 Students read and understand grade-level
appropriate material.
California Standards
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Download
1787
On May 14, state
delegates begin to
arrive at the Consti-
tutional Convention
in Philadelphia.
1786
Shays’s Rebellion
breaks out in
Massachusetts.
1785
The United
States begins
using the
dollar
currency.
1791
The Lady Washington
becomes the first U.S.
ship to reach Japan.
111
1791
The Bill of
Rights is
ratified by
the states in
December.
1781
On March 1 the
Articles of Confed-
eration go into effect
after being ratified
by all 13 states.
This photo shows Speaker of the House
Dennis Hastert swearing in the 108
th
Congress,
the legislative branch of the U.S. government.
In this chapter, you will learn about the nation’s
earliest government, the Articles of Confedera-
tion, and its failures to achieve national unity.
You will also read about the writing of the
Constitution and how it attempted to solve the
problems of the Articles by creating a new
system of government with three branches.
HOLT
History’s Impact
video series
Watch the video to under-
stand the impact of adding
new states.
1787
The Ottoman
Empire declares
war on Russia.
1782
Spain completes its conquest
of British Florida.
178 0 1785 179 0
Collection of the American
Numismatic Society, New York
What You Will Learn . . .
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government PDF Download
112 CHAPTER 00112 CHAPTER 4
Religion
Science and
Technology
Reading Social Studies
Additional reading
support can be
found in the
by Kylene Beers
Politics
Geography
Economics
Religion
Focus on Reading Like falling dominoes, historical events can
create huge chains of results, often stretching over many years. To
understand history and events, therefore, we often need to see how
they are related in time.
Understanding Chronological Order The word chronological
means “related to time.” Events discussed in this history book are
discussed in sequence, in the order in which they happened. To under-
stand history better, you can use a sequence chain to take notes about
events in the order they happened.
Society
and Culture
Sequence Chain
1620
The Pilgrims sign the Mayfl ower Compact.
1639
Connecticut creates the fi rst constitution
in the English colonies.
1689
The English Bill of Rights is passed.
1776
The American colonies declare their
independence from Great Britain.
Focus on Themes Visualize a row of dominoes,
lined up one after the other. Push over the fi rst one,
and—one after the other—all eventually fall. In this way,
the events in this chapter are like dominoes that cause
each other to occur. These events, one after another,
nally led to the formation of a new government and
a new society. If you read closely, you will see that
political disagreements started the entire process.
Tip: Writers sometimes signal
chronological order, or sequence,
by using words or phrases
like these:
rst, before, then, later, soon, after,
before long, next, eventually, fi nally
Chronological Order
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-1
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 113FORMING A GOVERNMENT 113
Key Terms
Key Terms
and People
and People
You Try It!
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Farmers Rebel
In August 1786, farmers in three western
counties began a revolt. Bands of angry citizens
closed down courts in western Massachusetts.
Their reasoning was simple—with the courts
shut down, no one’s property could be taken.
In September, a poor farmer and Revolutionary
War Veteran, Daniel Shays, led hundreds of
men in a forced shutdown of the Supreme
Court in Springfi eld, Massachusetts. The state
government ordered the farmers to stop the
revolt under threat of capture and death.
These threats only made Shays and his
followers more determined. The uprising of
farmers to protest high taxes and heavy debt
became known as Shays’s Rebellion.
Shay’s forces were defeated by state
troops in January 1787. By February many
of the rebels were in prison. During their
trial, 14 leaders were sentenced to death.
However, the state soon freed most of the
rebels, including Shays.
From
Chapter 4,
p. 123
After you have read the passage, answer the following questions.
1. Which happened fi rst—citizens closing courts in western
Massachusetts or Shays shutting down the Supreme Court? How
can you tell?
2. What happened after Shays’s forces were defeated by state troops?
3. Draw a sequence chain that shows the effects of Shays’ Rebellion
in the order they occurred.
Chapter 4
Section 1
Magna Carta (p. 114)
English Bill of Rights (p. 114)
constitution (p. 115)
Virginia Statute for Religious
Freedom (p. 115)
suffrage (p. 115)
Articles of Confederation (p. 116)
ratification (p. 116)
Land Ordinance of 1785 (p. 117)
Northwest Ordinance of 1787 (p. 117)
Northwest Territory (p. 117)
Section 2
tariffs (p. 121)
interstate commerce (p. 122)
depression (p. 123)
Daniel Shays (p. 123)
Shays’s Rebellion (p. 123)
Section 3
Constitutional Convention (p. 126)
James Madison (p. 126)
Virginia Plan (p. 126)
New Jersey Plan (p. 127)
Great Compromise (p. 127)
Three-Fifths Compromise (p. 128)
popular sovereignty (p. 129)
federalism (p. 129)
legislative branch (p. 129)
executive branch (p. 129)
judicial branch (p. 129)
checks and balances (p. 129)
Section 4
Antifederalists (p. 132)
George Mason (p. 132)
Federalists (p. 132)
Federalist Papers (p. 133)
amendments (p. 135)
Bill of Rights (p. 135)
Academic Vocabulary
In this chapter, you will learn the
following academic word:
advocate (p. 133)
Before you read Chapter 4, look for
clues that signal the order in which
events occurred.
ELA
Analysis HI 2 Understand and distinguish sequence.
HSS
Reading 8.2.0 Students read and understand grade-level appropriate material.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-2
114 CHAPTER 4
You live in a town in New England during the 1770s. In the town
meeting, people are hotly debating about who will have the right
to vote. Most think that only men who own property should be
able to vote. Some think that all property owners—men and
women—should have that right. A few others want all free men to
have the vote. Now it is time for the meeting to decide.
How would you have voted on this issue?
BUILDING BACKGROUND At the time of the Revolution, each
of the 13 states had its own government. The rights of citizens varied
from state to state. In their town meetings, people often argued about
exactly what those rights ought to be. Solving such issues was one
step in moving toward a national government.
Ideas about Government
The American colonies had taken a bold step in declaring their
independence from Great Britain in July 1776. Their next political
goal was to form a new government. To do so, the American people
drew from a wide range of political ideas.
English Laws and the Enlightenment
One source of inspiration was English law. England had lim-
ited the power of its kings and queens in two documents. These
were Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights.
Magna Carta
Magna Carta,
a document signed by King John in 1215, made the king sub-
a document signed by King John in 1215, made the king sub-
ject to law
ject to law.
The
The
English Bill of Rights
English Bill of Rights,
passed in 1689
passed in 1689,
declared
declared
the supremacy of Parliament
the supremacy of Parliament. It kept the king or queen from
passing new taxes or changing laws without Parliament’s con-
sent. As a result, the people’s representatives had a strong voice
in England’s government.
Americans were also infl uenced by Enlightenment—a philosoph-
ical movement that emphasized the use of reason to examine old
If YOU were there...
The Articles of
Confederation
SECTION
1
Key Terms and People
Magna Carta, p. 114
English Bill of Rights, p. 114
constitution, p. 115
Virginia Statute for Religious
Freedom, p. 115
suffrage, p. 115
Articles of Confederation, p. 116
ratification, p. 116
Land Ordinance of 1785, p. 117
Northwest Ordinance of 1787, p. 117
Northwest Territory, p. 117
What You Will Learn . . .
1. The American people
examined many ideas
about government.
2. The Articles of Confederation
laid the base for the first
national government of the
United States.
3. The Confederation
Congress established
the Northwest Territory.
Main Ideas
The Articles of Confederation
provided a framework for a
national government.
The Big Idea
HSS
8.3.2
Explain how the ordi-
nances of 1785 and 1787 privatized
national resources and transferred
federally owned lands into private
holding, townships, and states.
HSS
8.9.3
Describe the signifi -
cance of the Northwest Ordinance in
education and in the banning of slavery
in new states north of the Ohio River.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-3
ideas and traditions. Philosopher John Locke
believed that a social contract existed between
political rulers and the people they ruled.
Baron de Montesquieu argued that the only
way people could achieve liberty was through
the separation of governmental powers.
American Models of Government
Americans had their own models of self-
government to follow, like town meetings,
the Virginia House of Burgesses, and the
Mayfl ower Compact. In 1639 the people of
Connecticut drew up the English colonies’
rst written
constitution
constitution.
A constitution is
A constitution is
a set of basic principles and laws that states
a set of basic principles and laws that states
the powers and duties of the government
the powers and duties of the government. In
addition, the Declaration of Independence
clearly set forth the beliefs on which Ameri-
cans thought government should be based.
State Constitutions
To keep individual leaders from gaining too
much power, the new state constitutions cre-
ated limited governments, or governments
in which all leaders have to obey the laws.
Most state constitutions had rules to protect
the rights of citizens. Some banned slavery.
Some protected the rights of those accused of
a crime. Thomas Jefferson’s ideas about reli-
gious freedom were included in the
Virginia
Virginia
Statute for Religious Freedom
Statute for Religious Freedom.
This docu-
This docu-
ment declared that no person could be forced
ment declared that no person could be forced
to attend a particular church or be required to
to attend a particular church or be required to
pay for a church with tax money.
pay for a church with tax money.
Right to Vote
Under British rule, only free, white men that
owned land could vote. Many states’ constitu-
tions expanded
suffrage
suffrage
, or the right to vote,
, or the right to vote,
by allowing any white man who paid taxes
to vote. In every state, however, only land-
owners could hold public offi ce. Some states
originally allowed women and free African
Americans to vote, but these rights were soon
taken away. Suffrage would not be restored to
these groups for decades to come.
READING CHECK
Comparing What two
principles were common to state constitutions
written during the Revolutionary War?
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 115
New Jersey allowed women
to vote when it first joined
the United States. This right
was taken away by 1807.
Why do you think women
were not allowed to vote
in the early United States?
Women’s Suffrage
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116 CHAPTER 4
Articles of Confederation
The Second Continental Congress was orga-
nized to create a national government. The
Continental Congress appointed a Commit-
tee of Thirteen, with one member from each
colony. This group was assigned to discuss
and draft the Articles of Confederation, the
new national constitution.
Under the
Under the
Articles
Articles
of Confederation
of Confederation,
Con-
Con-
gress would become the single branch of
gress would become the single branch of
the national government, but it would have
the national government, but it would have
limited powers in order to protect the liber-
limited powers in order to protect the liber-
ties of the people.
ties of the people. Each state had one vote in
the Congress. Congress could settle confl icts
among the states, make coins, borrow money,
and make treaties with other countries and
with Native Americans. Congress could also
ask the states for money and soldiers. How-
ever, states had the power to refuse these
requests. In addition, the government did not
have a president or a national court system.
The Second Continental Congress passed
the Articles of Confederation on November 15,
1777. Then it sent the Articles to each state
legislature for
ratification
ratifi cation,
or official approval
or offi cial approval,
before the new national government could
take effect.
Confl icts over claims to western lands
slowed the process, but by 1779 every state
except Maryland had ratifi ed the Articles.
Maryland’s leaders refused to ratify until
other states gave up their western land
claims. Thomas Jefferson assured Maryland
that western lands would be made into new
states, rather than increasing territory for
existing states. Satisfi ed with this condition,
in March 1781 Maryland ratifi ed the Articles.
This put the fi rst national government of the
United States into effect.
READING CHECK
Summarizing What were
two weaknesses in the new national government?
116 CHAPTER 4
Each township
contained 36 sections.
Each section was one
square mile.
INTERPRETING MAPS
1. Location Which states were formed out of the
Northwest Territory?
2. Region Into how many sections was a township divided?
GEOGRAPHY
SKILLS
The Land Ordinances of 1785 and 1787
Surveying the West
In 1785 the Northwest Territory was
organized into lots that could be sold,
and in 1787 a government was organized.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-5
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 117
Section 1 Assessment
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
Online Quiz
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Identify What documents infl uenced
ideas about government in the United States?
b. Draw Conclusions What impact did the
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom have on
the U.S. government?
2. a. Identify What was the Articles of Confederation?
b. Summarize What powers were granted to
Congress by the Articles of Confederation?
c. Predict What are some possible problems
that might result from the lack of a national
court system?
3. a. Describe How were public lands in the West
divided by the Land Ordinance of 1785?
b. Evaluate In your opinion, what was the most
important element of the Northwest Ordinance
of 1787? Why?
Critical Thinking
4. Categorizing Copy the chart below. Use
it to identify the strengths and weaknesses
of the government created by the Articles
of Confederation.
FOCUS ON WRITING
5. Thinking about the Articles of Confederation
Make a list of powers the Articles of Confederation
gave the national government. Which ones seem
strong? Can you think of any important powers
that are missing?
Northwest Territory
Congress had to decide what to do with the
western lands now under its control and
how to raise money to pay debts. It tried to
solve both problems by selling the western
lands. Congress passed the
Land Ordinance
Land Ordinance
of 1785
of 1785,
which
which
set up a
set up a
system for survey-
system for survey-
ing and dividing
ing and dividing
western lands
western lands. The land was
split into townships, which were 36 square
miles divided into 36 lots of 640 acres each.
One lot was reserved for a public school, and
four lots were given to veterans. The remain-
ing lots were sold to the public.
To form a political system for the region,
Congress passed the
Northwest Ordinance
Northwest Ordinance
of 1787
of 1787.
The ordinance established the
The ordinance established the
Northwest Territory
Northwest Territory,
which included areas
which included areas
t
t
hat are now in Illinois
hat are now in Illinois,
Indiana
Indiana,
Michi-
Michi-
gan
gan,
Ohio
Ohio,
Minnesota,
Minnesota,
and Wisconsin
and Wisconsin. The
Northwest Ordinance created a system for
bringing new states into the Union. Congress
agreed that the Northwest Territory would be
divided into several smaller territories with a
governor appointed by Congress. When the
population of a territory reached 60,000, its
settlers could draft their own constitution
and ask to join the Union.
In addition, the law protected civil
liberties and required that public educa-
tion be provided. Finally, the ordinance
stated that “there shall be neither slavery
nor involuntary servitude [forced labor] in
the . . . territory.” This last condition banned
slavery in the Territory and set the standard
for future territories. However, slavery would
continue to be a controversial issue.
READING CHECK
Analyzing Information
How did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 affect
the United States?
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW The Northwest
Ordinance settled the future of the North-
west Territory. In the next section you
will read about other challenges the new
government faced.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 117
Townships
remained the
unit of local
government after
the Northwest
Territory was
divided into
states. Many of
these townships
still exist today.
THE IMPACT
TODAY
Articles of Confederation
Strengths Weaknesses
HSS
8.3.2,
8.9.3
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-6
History and Geography
The U.S. Constitution created a republican form of government
based on the consent of the people. The framers of the Con-
stitution blended ideas and examples from both the American
colonies and from England to write this lasting document.
118 CHAPTER 4
Origins
Constitution
of the
COLONIAL ASSEMBLIES
The British Parliaments two-chamber structure also influenced colonial
governments. In Article I, Section 1, of the Constitution, the framers
continued the practice of a two-chamber legislature.
“All legislative powers . . . shall be vested in a Congress of the United
States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.”
—Article 1, Section 1, U.S. Constitution
The Mayflower, shown here in an illustration, sailed
to America in 1620. Aboard the ship, 41men signed
the Mayflower Compact, the first document in the
colonies to establish guidelines for self-government.
The signers agreed that they and their families would
combine to form a “civil body politic,” or community.
THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT, 1620
VIRGINIA STATUTE FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, 1786
Classical liberal principles such as the written protection of
citizens’ personal liberties were reflected in the addition of
the Bill of Rights. The First Amendments freedom of religion
clauses were based on Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for
Religious Freedom. The document, which was accepted by the
Virginia legislature in 1786, ensured the separation of church
and state in Virginia.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...”
—First Amendment, U.S. Constitution
American colonies
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-7
ANALYZING INFORMATION
1. What documents did the framers look to when
writing the Constitution?
2. How did the English Parliamentary system affect
the kind of government the framers created?
THE ENLIGHTENMENT, 1700S
MAGNA CARTA, 1215
Enlightenment thinkers such as English philosopher
John Locke supported the movement toward self-
government. Locke argued in his writings that
government could exist only with “the consent
of the governed.” The framers of the Constitution
looked to Locke for inspiration when writing the
Constitution, as you can see from its very first words.
“We the people of the United States . . . “
—Preamble, U.S. Constitution
In this painting King John of England is signing Magna
Carta, or the Great Charter, which established that the
king was subject to the law just like everyone else. It
also declared that people could not be deprived of
their lives, liberty, or property ”except by the lawful
judgment of [their] peers, or by the law of the land.”
Compare this language to that of the Fifth
Amendment to the Constitution.
“No person shall be . . . deprived of life, liberty, or
property, without due process of law . . .”
—Fifth Amendment, U.S. Constitution
This painting shows King William and Queen Mary of
England. Before taking the throne, William and Mary
had to accept the English Bill of Rights. The English Bill
of Rights took even more power away from the monarch
than did Magna Carta. It also protected the rights of
English citizens. These ideas would later influence
the U.S.
Constitution.
“Excessive bail ought not be required, nor
excessive fines imposed; nor cruel and unusual
punishments inflicted.”
—English Bill of Rights
England
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 119
THE ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS, 1689
ANALYSIS
SKILL
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-8
SECTION
2
Key Terms and People
tariffs, p. 121
interstate commerce, p. 122
depression, p. 123
Daniel Shays, p. 123
Shays’s Rebellion, p. 123
What You Will Learn . . .
Problems faced by the young
nation made it clear that a new
constitution was needed.
The Big Idea
1. The United States had
difficulties with other nations.
2. Internal economic problems
plagued the new nation.
3. Shays’s Rebellion pointed out
weaknesses in the Articles
of Confederation.
4. Many Americans called for
changes in the national
government.
Main Ideas
If YOU were there...
The New Nation
Faces Challenges
120 CHAPTER 4
You own an orchard in Maryland in the 1780s. When you sell
apples and apple pies in the market, people pay you with paper
money. But now the tax collector says you must pay your taxes in
gold or silver coins, not paper money. You and the other farmers
are furious. Is this the liberty you fought a war for?
What would you do to protest against these taxes?
BUILDING BACKGROUND Americans surprised the world by
winning their independence from Great Britain. But the 13 new states
were far from being a strong nation. Internal problems, especially
with taxes and the economy, led to protests and rebellion. The
government also had trouble with foreign trade and treaties
.
Relations with Other Countries
Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress could not force
states to provide soldiers for an army. The Continental Army had
disbanded, or dissolved, soon after the signing of the Treaty of Paris
of 1783. Without an army, the national government found it dif-
cult to protect its citizens against foreign threats.
Trouble with Britain
It was also diffi cult to enforce international treaties such as the Treaty
of Paris of 1783. The United States found it especially hard to force
the British to turn over “with all convenient speed” their forts on
the American side of the Great Lakes. The United States wanted to
gain control of these forts because they protected valuable land and
fur-trade routes. Still, Britain was slow to withdraw from the area. A
British offi cial warned against the United States trying to seize the
forts by force. He said that any attempt to do so would be opposed by
the thousands of British soldiers who had settled in Canada after the
Revolution “who are ready to fl y to arms at a moment’s warning.”
HSS
8.2.2
Analyze the Articles of
Confederation and the Constitution
and the success of each in imple-
menting the ideals of the Declaration
of Independence.
8.3.5 Know the signifi cance of
domestic resistance movements and
ways in which the central govern-
ment responded to such movements
(e.g., Shays’s Rebellion, the Whiskey
Rebellion).
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-9
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Trade with Britain
The United States also faced problems trad-
ing with Great Britain. After the signing of
the Treaty of Paris, Britain closed many of its
ports to American ships. Before the Revolu-
tionary War, colonial ships had traded a great
deal with the British West Indies and stopped
there on their way to other destinations. This
travel and trading stopped after 1783.
In addition, Britain forced American mer-
chants to pay high
tariffs
tariffs
taxes on imports
taxes on imports
or exports
or exports. The tariffs applied to goods such
as rice, tobacco, tar, and oil that were grown
or mined in the United States and then sold
in Britain. Merchants had to raise prices to
cover the tariffs. Ultimately, the costs would
be passed on to customers, who had to pay
higher prices for the goods. The economic
condition of the country was getting worse
by the day.
Trade with Spain
In 1784 Spanish offi cials closed the lower
Mississippi River to U.S. shipping. Western
farmers and merchants were furious because
they used the Mississippi to send goods to
eastern and foreign markets. Congress tried
to work out an agreement with Spain, but
the plan did not receive a majority vote in
Congress. The plan could not be passed. As a
result, Spain broke off the negotiations.
Many state leaders began to criticize
the national government. Rhode Island’s
representatives wrote, “Our federal govern-
ment is but a name; a mere shadow with-
out substance [power].” Critics believed
that Spain might have continued to nego-
tiate if the United States had possessed a
strong military. These leaders believed that
the national government needed to be
more powerful.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 121
INTERPRETING MAPS
1. Movement Along what river did trade goods
reach the port of New Orleans?
2. Location Along what three routes did U.S. trade
face foreign barriers?
GEOGRAPHY
SKILLS
AMERICAN
TRADE
ROUTE
Spain closed the
lower Mississippi
River to U.S.
shipping, hurting
western trade with
eastern markets.
EXPORTS
TO BRITAIN
High British tariffs
discouraged American
exports to Britain.
WEST
INDIES
TRADE
Britain closed
many ports to
American ships.
The United States Faces Trade Barriers
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-10
122 CHAPTER 4122 CHAPTER 4
Impact of Closed Markets
The closing of markets in the British West Indies
seriously affected the U.S. economy. James
Madison of Virginia wrote about the crisis.
The Revolution has robbed us of our trade
with the West Indies . . . without opening any
other channels to compensate [make up for] it.
In every point of view, indeed, the trade of this
country is in a deplorable [terrible] condition.
—James Madison, quoted in Independence on Trial
by Frederick W. Marks III
Farmers could no longer export their
goods to the British West Indies. They also
had to hire British ships to carry their goods
to British markets, which was very expen-
sive. American exports dropped while British
goods fl owed freely into the United States.
This unequal trade caused serious eco-
nomic problems for the new nation. British
merchants could sell manufactured products
in the United States at much lower prices
than locally made goods. This difference in
prices hurt American businesses.
The Confederation Congress could not
correct the problem because it did not have
the authority either to pass tariffs or to order
the states to pass tariffs. The states could
offer little help. If one state passed a tariff,
the British could simply sell their goods in
another state. Most states did not cooperate
in trade matters. Instead, states worked only
to increase their own trade rather than work-
ing to improve the trade situation for the
whole country.
In 1785 the situation led a British maga-
zine to call the new nation the Dis-United
States. As a result of the trade problems with
Britain, American merchants began looking
for other markets such as China, France, and
the Netherlands. Despite such attempts, Brit-
ain remained the most important trading
partner of the United States.
READING CHECK
Analyzing Why was the
Confederation Congress unable to solve America’s
economic problems?
Economic Problems
In addition to international trade issues,
other challenges soon appeared. Trade prob-
lems among the states, war debts, and a weak
economy plagued the states.
Trade among States
Because the Confederation Congress had no
power to regulate
interstate commerce
interstate commerce
trade between
trade between
two or more states
two or more states—states fol-
lowed their own trade interests. As a result,
trade laws differed from state to state. This
situation made trade diffi cult for merchants
whose businesses crossed state lines.
Infl ation
After the Revolutionary War, most states
had a hard time paying off war debts
and struggled to collect overdue taxes. To
ease this hardship, some states began
printing large amounts of paper money.
The result was infl ation. This money had
Daniel Shays, at the top of the steps, stands
firm in the face of demands that he leave the
courthouse in Springfield, Massachusetts. By
shutting down the courts, farmers hoped to
stop the government from selling their land.
What was the outcome of Shays’s Rebellion?
A Farmer Leads a Revolt
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-11
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 123
little or no real value, because states did
not have gold or silver to back it up. Infl a-
tion occurs when there are increased
prices for goods and services combined with
the reduced value of money. Congress had
no power to stop states from issuing more
paper money and thus stop infl ation.
Weak Economy
In Rhode Island the state legislature printed
large amounts of paper money worth very
little. This made debtors—people who owe
money—quite happy. They could pay back
their debts with paper money worth less
than the coins they had borrowed. However,
creditors—people who lend money—were
upset. Hundreds of creditors fl ed Rhode
Island to avoid being paid back with worth-
less money.
The loss of trade with Britain comb-
ined with infl ation created a
depression
depression.
A
A
depression is a period of low economic activ-
depression is a period of low economic activ-
ity combined with a rise in unemployment.
ity combined with a rise in unemployment.
READING CHECK
Summarizing What eco-
nomic problems did the new nation face?
Shayss Rebellion
Each state handled its economic problems
differently. Massachusetts refused to print
worthless paper money. It tried to pay its war
debts by collecting taxes on land.
Heavy Debts for Farmers
Massachusetts’s tax policy hit farmers hard.
As landowners, they had to pay the new
taxes. However, farmers had trouble paying
their debts. The courts began forcing them
to sell their property. Some farmers had to
serve terms in debtors’ prison; others had to
sell their labor.
Many government leaders in the state did
not care about the problems of poor farmers,
however. In some cases, farmers actually
owed these leaders money.
Farmers Rebel
In August 1786, farmers in three western
counties began a revolt. Bands of angry citi-
zens closed down courts in western Massa-
chusetts. Their reasoning was simple—with
the courts shut down, no one’s property could
be taken. In September a poor farmer and
Revolutionary War veteran,
Daniel Shays, led
hundreds of men in a forced shutdown of the
Supreme Court in Springfi eld, Massachusetts.
The state government ordered the farmers to
stop the revolt under threat of capture and
death. These threats only made Shays and
his followers more determined.
The uprising
The uprising
of farmers to protest high taxes and heavy
of farmers to protest high taxes and heavy
debt became known as
debt became known as
Shays’s
Shays’s
Rebellion
Rebellion.
Shays’s Defeat
Shays’s forces were defeated by state troops in
January 1787. By February many of the rebels
were in prison. During their trials, 14 leaders
were sentenced to death. However, the state
soon freed most of the rebels, including Shays.
State offi cials knew that many citizens of the
state agreed with the rebels and their cause.
READING CHECK
Finding Main Ideas
What led to Shays’s Rebellion?
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 123
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-12
HSS
8.2.2, 8.3.5
Section 2 Assessment
KEYWORD: 000 0000
Online Quiz
Domestic Problems International Problems
124 CHAPTER 4
Critical Thinking
5. Categorizing Copy the graphic organizer below. Use
it to identify the domestic and international problems
that arose under the Articles of Confederation.
FOCUS ON WRITING
6. Identifying Problems In this section you learned
about several problems of the young United States.
Were any of those problems made worse by the
powers that the Articles of Confederation did or
did not give the national government?
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
Calls for Change
In the end, Shays’s Rebellion showed the
weakness of the Confederation government.
It led some Americans to admit that the Arti-
cles of Confederation had failed to protect
the ideals of liberty set forth in the Declara-
tion of Independence.
When Massachusetts
had asked the national
government to help
put down Shays’s Rebel-
lion, Congress could
offer little help. More
Americans began call-
ing for a stronger cen-
tral government. They
wanted leaders who
would be able to pro-
tect the nation in times of crisis.
Earlier in 1786 the Virginia legislature had
called for a national conference. It wanted to
talk about economic problems and ways to
change the Articles of Confederation. The
meeting took place in Annapolis, Maryland,
in September 1786.
Nine states decided to send delegates to
the Annapolis Convention but some of their
delegates were late and missed the meeting.
Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, and South
Carolina did not respond to the request at all
and sent no delegates.
Because of the poor attendance, the
participants, including James Madison
and Alexander Hamilton, called on all
13 states to send delegates to a Constitu-
tional Convention in Philadelphia in May
1787. They planned to revise the Articles
of Confederation to better meet the needs
of the nation.
READING CHECK
Finding Main Ideas
Why did some people believe the national
government needed to change?
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW Many Ameri-
cans believed that Shays’s Rebellion was fi nal
proof that the national government needed
to be changed. In the next section you will
read about the Constitutional Convention.
124 CHAPTER 4
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Summarize What problems did the
United States experience with Spain and
Great Britain?
b. Predict What are some possible results of the
growing problems between the United States and
Great Britain? Why?
2. a. Describe What diffi culties were involved with
interstate commerce?
b. Analyze What was the cause of infl ation in the
new nation, and how could it have been prevented?
3. a. Explain How did Massachusetts’s tax policy
affect farmers?
b. Evaluate Defend the actions of Daniel Shays
and the other rebels.
4. a. Recall Why did Madison and Hamilton call for
a Constitutional Convention?
b. Analyze How did Shays’s Rebellion lead to a
call for change in the United States?
Section 2 Assessment
Online Quiz
HSS
8.2.2,
8.3.5
Most power held by states
One branch of government
Legislative branch has few powers
• No executive branch
• No judicial system
No system of checks and balances
Weaknesses of the Articles of
Confederation
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-13
SEE RUN OVER for HSS
SECTION
Creating the
Constitution
If YOU were there...
What You Will Learn . . .
SECTION
3
Key Terms and People
Constitutional Convention, p. 126
James Madison, p. 126
Virginia Plan, p. 126
New Jersey Plan, p. 127
Great Compromise, p. 127
Three-Fifths Compromise, p. 128
popular sovereignty, p. 129
federalism, p. 129
legislative branch, p. 129
executive branch, p. 129
judicial branch, p. 129
checks and balances, p. 129
A new constitution provided
a framework for a stronger
national government.
The Big Idea
1. The Constitutional Conven-
tion met to improve the gov-
ernment of the United States.
2. The issue of representation
led to the Great Compromise.
3. Regional debate over slavery
led to the Three-Fifths Com-
promise.
4. The U.S. Constitution created
federalism and a balance of
power.
Main Ideas
You are a merchant in Connecticut in 1787. You have been a
member of your state legislature for several years. This spring,
the legislature is choosing delegates to a convention to revise the
Articles of Confederation. Delegates will meet in Philadelphia.
It means leaving your business in others’ hands for most of the
summer. Still, you hope to be chosen.
Why would you want to go to the
Constitutional Convention?
BUILDING BACKGROUND It didn’t take long for people
to realize that the Articles of Confederation had many
weaknesses. By the mid-1780s most political leaders
agreed that changes were needed. To make those
changes, they called on people with experience
in government.
Constitutional Convention
In February 1787 the Confederation
Congress invited each state to send
delegates to a convention in Philadel-
phia. The goal of the meeting was to
improve the Articles of Confederation.
Delegates to the Constitutional
Convention met in Philadelphia’s
Independence Hall.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 125
HSS
8.2
Students analyze the
political principles underlying the
U.S. Constitution and compare the
enumerated and implied powers of
the federal government.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-14
126 CHAPTER 4
Signing of the Constitution
The
The
Constitutional Convention
Constitutional Convention
was held
was held
in May 1787 in Philadelphia’s Independence
in May 1787 in Philadelphia’s Independence
Hall
Hall
to improve the Articles of Confedera-
to improve the Articles of Confedera-
tion.
tion. However, delegates would leave with an
entirely new U.S. Constitution. This decision
angered some of the participants.
Most delegates were well educated, and
many had served in state legislatures or
Congress. Benjamin Franklin and
James
Madison
were there. Revolutionary War hero
George Washington was elected president of
the Convention.
Several important voices were absent. John
Adams and Thomas Jefferson could not attend.
Patrick Henry chose not to attend because he
did not want a stronger central government.
Women, African Americans, and Native Amer-
icans did not take part because they did not yet
have the rights of citizens.
READING CHECK
Summarizing What was the
purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
Great Compromise
Several issues divided the delegates to the
Constitutional Convention. Some members
wanted only small changes to the Articles
of Confederation, while others wanted to
rewrite the Articles completely.
Those delegates who wanted major
changes to the Articles had different goals.
For example, small and large states had dif-
ferent ideas about representation, economic
concerns such as tariffs, and slavery. In addi-
tion, delegates disagreed over how strong to
make the national government.
Virginia Plan
After the delegates had met for four
days, Edmund Randolph of Virginia pre-
sented the
Virginia Plan
Virginia Plan
. He proposed a
. He proposed a
new federal constitution that would give
new federal constitution that would give
sovereignty, or supreme power, to the
sovereignty, or supreme power, to the
central government.
central government. The legislature would be
126 CHAPTER 4
James MadisonRoger Sherman James Wilson
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-15
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 127
bicameral—made up of two houses, or groups
of representatives—and chosen on the basis
of state populations. Larger states would
thus have more representatives than would
smaller states. Delegates from the smaller
states believed that it would give too much
power to the larger states.
New Jersey Plan
The smaller states came up with a plan to
stop the larger states from getting too much
power. New Jersey delegate William Paterson
presented the small-state or
New Jersey Plan
New Jersey Plan,
which
which
called for a unicameral
called for a unicameral,
or one-house
or one-house,
legislature
legislature.
The plan gave each state an equal
The plan gave each state an equal
number of votes, thus an equal voice, in the
number of votes, thus an equal voice, in the
federal government
federal government. The plan gave the fed-
eral government the power to tax citizens in
all states, and it allowed the government to
regulate commerce.
Compromise is Reached
After a month of debate, the delegates
were unable to agree on how states should
be represented. The convention reached
a deadlock.
Finally, Roger Sherman of Connecticut
proposed a compromise plan. The legisla-
tive branch would have two houses. Each
state, regardless of its size, would have two
representatives in the Senate, or upper
house. This would give each state an equal
voice, pleasing the smaller states. In the
House of Representatives, or lower house,
the number of representatives for each
state would be determined by the state’s
population. This pleased the larger states.
The agreement to create a two-house
The agreement to create a two-house
legislature became known as the
legislature became known as the
Great
Great
Compromise
Compromise. James Wilson, a great speaker,
saw his dream of a strong national govern-
ment come true.
READING CHECK
Contrasting How did the
Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan differ?
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 127
All U.S. states
but one modeled
their legislative
branches on the
federal one, with
a House of Repre-
sentatives and a
Senate. Nebraska
has a unicameral
legislature.
THE IMPACT
TODAY
This painting shows the signing of the Constitution
on September 17, 1787. James Madison, number 4
on the diagram, became known as the “Father of
the Constitution” for his ideas about government
and his ability to lead the delegates to agreement.
Which person did the artist choose to make the
focus of this painting? Why do you think that is?
1
2
3
Roger Sherman
Alexander Hamilton
Benjamin Franklin
James Madison
George Washington
James Wilson
4
5
6
4
3
2
1
Virginia Plan
Great Compromise
New Jersey Plan
Gave more power to national
government
• Bicameral legislature
Number in both houses based
on population
• Bicameral legislature
Number of representatives
based on state populations
in lower house
Number of representatives
equal from each state
in upper house
Gave more power to state
governments
• Unicameral legislature
Number of representatives
equal from each state
5
6
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-16
128 CHAPTER 4
Three-Fifths Compromise
The debate over representation also involved
regional differences. Southern delegates
wanted enslaved Africans to be counted as
part of their state populations. This way they
would have more representatives, and more
power, in Congress. Northerners disagreed.
They wanted the number of slaves to deter-
mine taxes but not representation.
To resolve this problem, some delegates
thought of a compromise. They wanted to
count three-fi fths of the slaves in each state as
part of that state’s population to decide how
many representatives a state would have.
After much debate, the delegates voted to
accept the proposal, called the
Three-Fifths
Three-Fifths
Compromise
Compromise.
Under this agreement only
Under this agreement only
three-fi fths of a state’s slave population would
three-fi fths of a state’s slave population would
count when determining representation
count when determining representation.
Another major issue was the foreign slave
trade. Some of the delegates believed slavery
was wrong and wanted the federal govern-
ment to ban the slave trade. Others said that
the southern states’ economies needed the
slave trade. Many southern delegates said they
would leave the Union if the Constitution
immediately ended the slave trade.
Worried delegates reached another com-
promise, agreeing to end the slave trade in 20
years. The delegates omitted, or left out, the
words slavery and slave in the Constitution.
They referred instead to “free Persons” and
“all other Persons.” Oliver Ellsworth summed
up the view of many delegates. He said, “The
morality or wisdom of slavery . . . are consid-
erations belonging to the states themselves.”
READING CHECK
Summarizing What compro-
mise was reached over the issue of the slave trade?
POINTS OF VIEW
Compromise and the Slave Trade
Primary Source
The issue of slavery highlighted the
growing division between the North and
the South. Gouverneur Morris of New
York spoke with much emotion against
the Three-Fifths Compromise. Also, the
idea of banning the foreign slave trade
prompted southerners such as John
Rutledge of South Carolina to defend
the practice.
The admission of slaves into the
Representation . . . comes to this: that the
inhabitant of [a state] who goes to the coast
of Africa and . . . tears away his fellow
creatures from their dearest connections and
damns them to the most
cruel bondage [slavery],
shall have more votes
in a Government
[established] for pro-
tection of the rights
of mankind.
—Gouverneur
Morris,
quoted in Founding the
Republic,edited by
John J. Patrick
If the Convention thinks that
North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Georgia will ever agree to the plan
[to prohibit slave trade], unless their
right to import slaves be untouched,
the expectation is vain [useless].
—John Rutledge,
quoted in The Atlantic Monthly,February 1891,
by Frank Gaylord Cook
ANALYSIS
SKILL
ANALYZING PRIMARY SOURCES
Finding Main Ideas How did these two views of
slavery differ?
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-17
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 129
The Living Constitution
Most Convention delegates wanted a strong
national government. At the same time,
they hoped to protect
popular sovereignty
popular sovereignty,
the idea that political authority belongs
the idea that political authority belongs
to the people
to the people. Americans had boldly
declared this idea in the Declaration of
Independence.
Federalist Government
The delegates also wanted to balance the
power of the national government with
the powers of the states. Therefore, the
delegates created
federalism
federalism.
Federalism
Federalism
is the sharing of power between a central
is the sharing of power between a central
government and the states that make up
government and the states that make up
a country
a country.
Under the Constitution, each state must
obey the authority of the federal, or national,
government. States have control over govern-
ment functions not specifi cally assigned to the
federal government. This includes control of
local government, education, the chartering of
corporations, and the supervision of religious
bodies. States also have the power to create and
oversee civil and criminal law. States, however,
must protect the welfare of their citizens.
Checks and Balances
The Constitution also balances the power
among three branches, each responsible for
separate tasks. The fi rst is the
legislative branch
legislative branch,
or Congress. Congress is responsible for pro-
or Congress. Congress is responsible for pro-
posing and passing laws
posing and passing laws. It is made up of two
houses, as created in the Great Compromise.
The Senate has two members from each state.
In the House of Representatives each state is
represented according to its population.
The second branch, the
executive branch
executive branch,
includes the president and the departments
includes the president and the departments
that help run the government
that help run the government. The execu-
tive branch makes sure the law is carried out.
The third branch is the
judicial branch
judicial branch.
The
The
judicial branch is made up of all the national
judicial branch is made up of all the national
courts
courts. This branch is responsible for interpret-
ing laws, punishing criminals, and settling dis-
putes between states.
The framers of the Constitution created
a system of
checks and balances
checks and balances,
which
which
keeps
keeps
any
any
branch of government from becom-
branch of government from becom-
ing too powerful
ing too powerful. For example, Congress
has the power to pass bills into law. The
president has the power to veto, or reject, laws
that Congress passes. However, Congress can
override the president’s veto with a two-thirds
LINKING
T
O
DAY
TO
ANALYZING INFORMATION
How is the change in makeup of the legislative branch
shown through Linda and Loretta Sanchez?
ANALYSIS
SKILL
Legislative Branch
When it first met in 1789, the U.S. House of Representatives
had just 65 members. As the nation’s population grew, more
members were added. Today, the number has been set
at 435, to prevent the size of the House from growing
unmanageable. Though the numbers of women and
minorities in Congress are still unrepresentative of the
population as a whole, Congress has become more
diverse. Linda and Loretta Sanchez, pictured here, are
the first sisters to serve in Congress at the same time.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-18
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
KEYWORD: 000 0000
130 CHAPTER 4
majority vote. The Supreme Court has the
power to review laws passed by Congress and
strike down any law that violates the Consti-
tution by declaring it unconstitutional.
The fi nal draft of the Constitution was
completed in September 1787. Only 3 of the
42 delegates who remained refused to sign.
The signed Constitution was sent fi rst to Con-
gress and then to the states for ratifi cation.
The delegates knew that the Constitution was
not a perfect document but they believed they
had protected the ideas of republicanism.
READING CHECK
Summarizing Explain how
the system of checks and balances works in the
United States.
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW The Constitu-
tion balanced power among three branches
of the federal government but was only writ-
ten after many compromises. In the next sec-
tion you will read about Antifederalist and
Federalist views of the Constitution, and the
struggle to get it approved by the States.
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Recall Why did the Confederation Congress call
for a Constitutional Convention?
b. Elaborate Why do you think it was important
that most delegates had served in state legislatures?
2. a. Identify What was the Great Compromise?
b. Draw Conclusions How did state issues lead to
debate over structure of the central government?
3. a Explain What was the debate between North
and South over counting slave populations?
b. Contrast How did delegates’ views differ on the
issue of the foreign slave trade?
4. a. Recall Why did the framers of the Constitution
create a system of checks and balances?
b. Evaluate Did the Constitution resolve the
weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation?
Explain your answer.
Critical Thinking
5. Analyzing Copy the chart shown. Use it to identify
the problems that led to the Great Compromise
and the Three-Fifths Compromise, what confl icting
ideas were proposed, and the eventual solution
that created a compromise.
FOCUS ON WRITING
6. Thinking about the Constitution Look back
through what you’ve just read and make a list
of important features of the Constitution. Be
sure to note important compromises.
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
HSS
8.2
Section 3 Assessment
Online Quiz
The Constitution Strengthens the National Government
most power held by states
one branch of government
legislative branch has few powers
• no executive branch
• no judicial system
no system of checks and balances
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
most power held by national government
three branches of government
legislative branch has many powers
executive branch led by president
judicial branch to review the laws
firm system of checks and balances
Strengths of the Constitution
Problem
Confl icting Ideas
Solution
Great Compromise Three-Fifths Compromise
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-19
Benjamin Franklin
How did one man accomplish so much?
When did he live? 1706–1790
Where did he live? Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston but ran away to
Philadelphia at age 17 and made it his home. He also crossed the Atlantic Ocean
eight times and visited 10 countries.
What did he do? What didn’t he do! He was a printer, publisher, creator of
the fi rst circulating library, the fi rst president of the University of Pennsylvania,
inventor, scientist, philosopher, musician, economist, and the fi rst U.S. Postmaster
General. In politics he was a leading revolutionary, signer of the Decla-
ration of Independence, head of an antislavery organi-
zation, delegate to the Constitutional Convention,
and diplomat.
Why is he important? Benjamin Frank-
lin, son of a candlemaker, became a celebrity
in his own time, both in America and in
Europe. Few people have mastered so many
elds of knowledge and accomplished so
much. He invented many useful objects,
from bifocal glasses to the lightning rod.
One of the oldest founding fathers, Frank-
lin inspired younger revolutionaries such as
Thomas Jefferson. Franklin believed strongly
that people should volunteer and be
active in public service.
Finding Main Ideas How did Benjamin
Franklin’s life reflect his belief in public
service?
1729
Becomes owner
and publisher of the
Pennsylvania Gazette
1732–1758
Publishes Poor Rich-
ard: An Almanack
1752
Performs famous
experiment using
a kite to show that
electricity exists
in storm clouds
1775
Submits the Articles
of Confederation
1779
Appointed minister
to France
1782
Helps negotiate
the Treaty of Paris
with Britain
KEY EVENTS
BIOGRAPHY
131
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-20
SECTION
4
Key Terms and People
Antifederalists, p. 132
George Mason, p. 132
Federalists, p. 132
Federalist Papers, p. 133
amendments, p. 135
Bill of Rights, p. 135
What You Will Learn . . .
Americans carried on a vigor-
ous debate before ratifying the
Constitution.
The Big Idea
1. Federalists and Antifederal-
ists engaged in debate over
the new Constitution.
2. The Federalist Papers
played an important role in
the fight for ratification of the
Constitution.
3. Ten amendments were added
to the Constitution to provide
a Bill of Rights to protect
citizens.
Main Ideas
You are a newspaper editor in Philadelphia. During colonial rule,
offi cials sometimes closed down your newspaper because you had
criticized the governor. Now you are one of many Americans who
want to be sure the new Constitution will guarantee individual rights.
You are writing an editorial in your paper explaining what you want.
What rights would you want the
Constitution to protect?
BUILDING BACKGROUND The new Constitution did not make
everyone happy. Even its framers knew they had not made a perfect
document. Many people still did not want a strong national govern-
ment. They were afraid it would become as tyrannical as the British
government had been. Before approving the Constitution, they
wanted to be sure that their rights would be protected
.
Federalists and Antifederalists
When the Constitution was made public, a huge debate began
among many Americans.
Antifederalists
Antifederalists
people
people
who opposed
who opposed
the Constitution
the Constitution—thought that the Constitutional Convention
should not have created a new government. Others thought the
Constitution gave too much power to the central government. For
some Antifederalists, the main problem was that the Constitution
did not have a section that guaranteed individual rights. Delegate
George Mason became an Antifederalist for this reason.
Many Antifederalists were small farmers and debtors. However,
some were wealthy. Some Revolutionary War heroes were also strong
Antifederalists, including Richard Henry Lee, Samuel Adams, and Pat-
rick Henry. Antifederalists were challenged by many Americans who
believed that the United States needed a stronger central government.
Federalists
Federalists,
supporters
supporters
of the Constitution
of the Constitution, included James
Madison, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander
Hamilton, and John Jay. Most Federalists believed that the
If YOU were there...
Ratifying the
Constitution
132 CHAPTER 4
8.2.7 Describe the principles of fed-
eralism, dual sovereignty, separation
of powers, checks and balances, the
nature and purpose of majority rule,
and the ways in which the American
idea of constitutionalism preserves
individual rights.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-21
Constitution offered a good balance of
power. They thought it was a careful com-
promise between various political views.
Many Federalists were wealthy planters,
farmers, and lawyers. However, many oth-
ers were poor workers and craftspeople.
Merchants also supported the Constitution.
Federalists and Antifederalists debated
whether the new Constitution should be
approved by the state legislatures. They made
speeches and printed pamphlets
advocating
their views. The Federalists had to convince
people a change in the structure of govern-
ment was needed. To do this, they had to
overcome people’s fears that the Constitution
would make the government too powerful.
READING CHECK
Comparing and Contrasting
Explain the similarities and differences between
the Antifederalists and the Federalists.
Federalist Papers
One of the most important defenses of the
Constitution appeared in a series of essays
that became known as the
Federalist Papers
Federalist Papers.
These essays supporting the Constitution
These essays supporting the Constitution
were written anonymously under the name
were written anonymously under the name
Publius
Publius. They were actually written by Ham-
ilton, Madison, and Jay.
The authors of the Federalist Papers tried
to reassure Americans that the new federal
government would not overpower the states.
In Federalist Paper No. 10, Madison argued
that the diversity of the United States would
prevent any single group from dominating
the government.
The Federalist Papers were widely reprinted
in newspapers around the country as the
debate over the Constitution continued.
Finally, they were collected and published in
book form in 1788.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 133
Supported the Constitution as an
excellent plan for government
Defended his views in the Federalist Papers
Opposed the Constitution
Believed the Constitution needed a
section guaranteeing individual rights
ACADEMIC
VOCABULARY
advocate
to plead in favor of
Federalists vs. Antifederalists
Alexander Hamilton
Federalist
George Mason
Antifederalist
FOCUS ON
READING
Take notes on the
chronological
order of this
section. Which
was written first,
the Federalist
Papers or the Bill
of Rights?
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-22
134 CHAPTER 4134 CHAPTER 4
Primary Source
The Constitution needed only 9 states
to pass it. However, to establish and preserve
national unity, each state needed to ratify it.
Every state except Rhode Island held special
state conventions that gave citizens the chance
to discuss and vote on the Constitution.
Paul Revere served on a committee sup-
porting ratifi cation. He wrote of the Consti-
tution, “The proposed . . . government, is
well calculated [planned] to secure the lib-
erties, protect the property, and guard the
rights of the citizens of America.”
Antifederalists also spoke out in state
conventions. In New York, one citizen said,
“It appears that the government will fall into
the hands of the few and the great.”
On December 7, 1787, Delaware became
the fi rst state to ratify the Constitution.
Throughout the rest of 1787 and the fi rst half
of 1788, eight other states approved it. The
HISTORIC DOCUMENT
Federalist Paper No. 10
In November 1787, Number 10 in the series called the Federalist Papers was
written in support of the Constitution. In it, James Madison describes the way
federalism will overcome disagreements within society.
Madison believes
that lawmakers
are responsible
for regulating the
many compet-
ing concerns that
make up society.
ANALYZING PRIMARY SOURCES
Why does Madison think federalism will prevent
disagreement?
ANALYSIS
SKILL
Constitution went into effect in June 1788
after New Hampshire became the ninth state
to ratify it.
Political leaders across America knew the
new government needed the support of Vir-
ginia and New York, where debate still raged.
Virginia had the largest population in the
nation. New York was an important center
for business and trade.
Finally, Madison and other Virginia
Federalists convinced Virginia to ratify it in
mid-1788. In New York, Jay and Hamilton
said that New York City would break away
and join the new government. New York State
ratifi ed the Constitution in July. Rhode Island
was the last state to ratify it in May 1790.
READING CHECK
Drawing Conclusions
Why were Virginia and New York important
to the ratification of the Constitution?
The federal
government will
handle issues
affecting the nation
as a whole; state
and local govern-
ments will handle
those concerning
local issues.
A landed interest, a manufacturing interest, a mercantile [trading] interest,
a moneyed interest, with many lesser interests, grow up of necessity in
civilized nations, and divide them into different classes, actuated [moved]
by different sentiments and views. The regulation of these various and inter-
fering interests [opinions] forms the principal task of modern legislation, and
involves the spirit of party and faction [group] in the necessary and ordinary
operations of the government . . .
The federal Constitution forms a happy combination . . . the great . . . interests
being referred to the national [legislature]; the local and particular to the
state legislatures . . . The influence of factious leaders may kindle [start] a
flame within their particular states, but will be unable to spread a general
conflagration [large fire] through the other states.
—James Madison, quoted in Living American Documents,
edited by Isidore Starr, et al.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-23
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 135
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Identify Who were the Federalists and the
Antifederalists?
b. Draw Conclusions What was the main argument
of the Antifederalists against the Constitution?
2. a. Recall When did the Constitution go into effect?
b. Draw Conclusions Why was it important that
all 13 states ratify the Constitution?
c. Elaborate Do you think that the Federalist
Papers played an essential role in the ratifi cation
of the Constitution? Explain your answer.
3. a. Recall Why did Congress add the Bill of Rights?
b. Explain From where did legislators’ ideas for
the Bill of Rights come?
Critical Thinking
4. Contrasting Copy the chart at right and use it to
identify the differing arguments for and against
the Constitution.
FOCUS ON WRITING
5. Organizing Your Evidence In this section you learned
how the Bill of Rights was an important addition to
the Constitution. You now have all your evidence
about the difference between the Articles of Confed-
eration and the Constitution. Choose two or three of
the most important points and prepare to defend the
Constitution, just like Alexander Hamilton and James
Madison did in the Federalist Papers.
Bill of Rights
Several states ratifi ed the Constitution only
after they were promised that a bill protecting
individual rights would be added to it. Many
Antifederalists did not think that the Consti-
tution would protect personal freedoms.
Some Federalists said that the nation did
not need a federal bill of rights because the
Constitution itself was a bill of rights. It was,
they argued, written to protect the liberty of
all U.S. citizens.
James Madison wanted to make a bill of
rights one of the new government’s fi rst pri-
orities. In Congress’s fi rst session, Madison
encouraged the legislators to put together
a bill of rights. The rights would then be
added to the Constitution as
amendments
amendments,
or
or
offi cial changes
offi cial changes. In Article V of the
Constitution, the founders had provided a
way to change the document when necessary
in order to refl ect the will of the people. The
process requires that proposed amendments
must be approved by a two-thirds major-
ity of both houses of Congress and then
ratifi ed by three-fourths of the states before
taking effect.
Legislators took ideas from the state rati-
fying conventions, the Virginia Declaration
of Rights, the English Bill of Rights, and the
Declaration of Independence to make sure
that the abuses listed in the Declaration of
Independence would be illegal under the new
government. In September 1789 Congress
proposed 12 amendments and sent them to
the states for ratifi cation. By December 1791
the states had ratifi ed the
Bill
Bill
of Rights
of Rights
10
10
of the proposed amendments
of the proposed amendments
intended to
intended to
protect citizens’ rights
protect citizens’ rights.
These 10 amendments set a clear exam-
ple of how to amend the Constitution to fi t
the needs of a changing nation. The fl exibil-
ity of the U.S. Constitution has allowed it to
survive for more than 200 years.
READING CHECK
Summarizing Why is being
able to amend the Constitution important?
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW Early disagree-
ments over individual rights resulted in
the Bill of Rights. In the next chapter
you will learn about the structure of
the Constitution.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 135
HSS
8.2.7
Section 4 Assessment
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
Online Quiz
In 1789, Madison
suggested an
amendment limit-
ing Congress’s
power over its
own salary. This
amendment was
not passed until
1992.
THE IMPACT
TODAY
Federalist Views Antifederalist Views
vs.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-24
Social Studies Skills
Analysis
Critical
Thinking
Define the Skill
A point of view is a person’s outlook or attitude. It
is the way that he or she looks at a topic or thing.
Each person’s point of view is shaped by his or her
background. Because people’s backgrounds are dif-
ferent, their points of view are too. Since a person’s
point of view shapes his or her opinions, knowing
that point of view helps you understand and evalu-
ate those opinions. Being able to detect differences
in point of view is important to understanding dif-
ferences in people’s opinions and actions in history.
Learn the Skill
When you encounter someone’s beliefs, opinions,
or actions in your study of history, use the following
guidelines to determine his or her point of view.
1
Look for information about the person’s
background.
2
Ask yourself what factors in the person’s back-
ground might have infl uenced his or her opin-
ion or action concerning the topic or event.
3
Be aware that sometimes the person’s opinion
or actions themselves will provide clues to his or
her point of view.
Benjamin Lincoln led the troops that put down
Shays’s Rebellion in Massachusetts. He was also a
state politician and a general during the Revolution.
Lincoln offered this explanation of Shays’s uprising.
Among [the main causes] I rank the ease with which . . .
credit was obtained . . . in the time of [the Revolution] . . . .
The moment the day arrived when all discovered that
things were fast returning [to normal], . . . and that the
Determine Different Points of View
indolent [lazy persons] and improvident [unwise per-
sons] would soon experience the evils of their idleness
and sloth, many startled [panicked] . . . and . . . complained
. . . of the weight of public taxes . . . and at the cruelty of . . .
creditors [those to whom money is owed] to call for their
just dues [rightful payment]. . . The disaffected [unhappy
people] . . . attempted . . . to stop the courts of law, and to
suspend the operations of government. This they hoped
to do until . . . an end should thereby be put to public and
private debts.
Lincoln’s background as a general, state offi cial,
and leader against the rebels likely gave him a nega-
tive point of view on the revolt. His reference to the
rebels as lazy and unwise also provides clues to his
attitude. You should weigh such factors when evalu-
ating the accuracy of his statement.
Practice the Skill
The following statement about Shays’s Rebellion
came from a Massachusetts farmer. Read it and
apply the guidelines to answer the questions.
I have labored hard . . . all my days. I have been . . . obliged
to do more than my part in the [Revolution], been
loaded with . . . rates [taxes], . . . have been . . . [abused]
by sheriffs . . . and [debt] collectors . . . I have lost a great
deal . . . [T]he great men are going to get all we have, and
I think it is time for us to . . . put a stop to it.
1. From what point of view is this person com-
menting on the revolt? What is his opinion of it?
2. How does his view of himself differ from
Lincoln’s view of people like him?
3. Is this view of the revolt likely to be more
accurate than Lincoln’s view? Why or why not?
136 CHAPTER 4
Participation Study
HR5
Students detect the different historical points
of view on historical events.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-25
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 137
Standards Review
CHAPTER
4
Use the visual summary below to help you review
the main ideas of the chapter.
Visual
Summary
Reviewing Vocabulary, Terms, and People
Match the numbered person or term with the correct lettered defi nition.
1. Bill of Rights
2. checks and balances
3. constitution
4. Constitutional
Convention
5. Federalist Papers
a. agreement that stated that each slave would be
counted as three-fifths of a person when deter-
mining representation
b. delegate to the Constitutional Convention who
proposed the New Jersey Plan
c. increased prices for goods and services com-
bined with the reduced value of money
6. inflation
7. Northwest Territory
8. William Paterson
9. tariffs
10. Three-Fifths
Compromise
d. area including present-day Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and part of
Minnesota
e. meetings held in Philadelphia at which del-
egates from the states attempted to improve
the existing government
f. series of essays in support of the Constitution
g. set of basic principles that determines the
powers and duties of a government
h. system that prevents any branch of government
from becoming too powerful
i. taxes on imports or exports
j. the first 10 amendments to the Constitution
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 137
Visual
Summary
Bill of Rights
• first 10
amendments
• ensures basic
rights
The Constitution
• framework of
todays govern-
ment
• strengthened
national
government
• three branches
• checks and
balances
The Articles of
Confederation
• first government
of United States
• weak union of
states
• weaknesses
led to Shays’s
Rebellion
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-26
138 CHAPTER 4
Comprehension and
Critical Thinking
SECTION 1 (Pages 114–117)
11. a. Describe What powers did the Articles of
Confederation give the national government?
b. Summarize What did the Confederation
Congress do to strengthen the United States?
c. Evaluate Which document or institution
do you think had the greatest influence on the
development of the United States? Why?
SECTION 2
(Pages 120–124)
12. a. Recall What was Shays’s Rebellion?
b. Draw Conclusions What was the general atti-
tude of foreign nations toward the new govern-
ment of the United States? Why?
c. Evaluate Of the problems experienced by the
Confederation Congress, which do you think
was the most harmful? Why?
SECTION 3
(Pages 125–130)
13. a. Describe In what ways did the Constitution
strengthen the central government?
b. Explain How did the two compromises
reached during the Constitutional Convention
satisfy competing groups?
c. Elaborate In your opinion were there any
weaknesses in the Constitution? Explain your
answer.
SECTION 4
(Pages 132–135)
14. a. Recall Why was the Bill of Rights added to
the Constitution?
b. Draw Conclusions Why were some Ameri-
cans opposed to the Constitution?
c. Evaluate Would you have supported the Feder-
alists or the Antifederalists? Explain your answer.
Reviewing Themes
15. Politics What political problems resulted from
a weak central government under the Articles of
Confederation?
16. Politics How did political disagreements lead to
important compromises in the creation of the
Constitution?
Reading Skills
Understanding Chronological Order Use the Reading
Skills taught in this chapter to answer the question below.
17. Organize the following events chronologically
according to the chapter.
a. Federalist Papers is published.
b. Constitution is ratified.
c. Articles of Confederation is ratified.
d. Shays’s Rebellion occurs.
e. Constitutional Convention meets in
Philadelphia.
Social Studies Skills
Determine Different Points of View Use the Social
Studies Skills taught in this chapter to answer the ques-
tion below.
18. List three differences between the Virginia Plan
and the New Jersey Plan.
FOCUS ON WRITING
19. Writing Your Editorial You should start your edi-
torial with a strong statement of your opinion
about the Constitution. Then write two sentences
about each of your main points of support—
a weakness of the Articles of Confederation
and/or a strength of the Constitution. End your
editorial with a call to action: Ask the delegates
to the Constitutional Convention to ratify the
Constitution. Remember that you are trying to
convince people to make a very important deci-
sion for our country—be persuasive.
138 CHAPTER 4
HSS
8.3.2, 8.9.3
HSS
8.2.2, 8.3.5
HSS
8.2
HSS
8.2.7
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-27
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 139FORMING A GOVERNMENT 139
DIRECTIONS: Read each question and write the
letter of the best response.
!
The powers delegated by the proposed
Constitution to the federal government
are few and defi ned. Those which are
to remain in the State governments are
numerous and . . . will extend to all
objects which . . . concern the lives,
liberties, and properties of the people . . .
The operations of the federal government will
be most extensive and important in times of
war and danger; those of the State govern-
ments in times of peace and security.
—James Madison, Federalist Paper No. 45
What point was Madison making about the
system of government created by the pro-
posed Constitution?
A The states will continue to be in charge of day-
to-day government of the people.
B The federal government·s main function will be
to keep peace among the states.
C The state governments will have greater power
than the new federal government.
D The most important governing powers will be
held by the new federal government.
@
Which term would best describe the newly
independent nation in the 1780s?
A strong
B united
C troubled
D confi dent
#
Under the Articles of Confederation, the
greatest amount of power was in the hands
of the
A Congress.
B American people.
C national government.
D states.
$
The structure of the U.S. Congress was cre-
ated at the Constitutional Convention by the
A Virginia Plan.
B Great Compromise.
C New Jersey Plan.
D Three-Fifths Compromise.
%
The nation’s most widespread problems
under the Articles of Confederation involved
A trade.
B suffrage.
C slavery.
D rebellion.
Connecting with Past Learning
^
The Articles of Confederation created a sys-
tem of government most like that of
A the Ottoman Empire.
B feudal Europe.
C West African kingdoms.
D the Tang dynasty in China.
&
In Grade 7 you learned about Enlightenment
ideas of government. What European’s con-
tributions to society were most like those of
James Madison?
A Johannes Kepler
B Johannes Gutenberg
C Leonardo da Vinci
D Baron de Montesquieu
Standards Assessment
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government PDF
17 75
Forming a
Government
Government
4
CHAPTER
17771791
110 CHAPTER 4
1777
The Continental
Congress approves
the Articles of
Confederation on
November 15.
1778
The United States
and France
become allies.
A Newspaper Editorial It is 1788 and you’re writing an
editorial for a local newspaper. You want to convince your
readers that the new Constitution will be much better than
the old Articles of Confederation. In this chapter you’ll find
the information you need to support your opinion.
FOCUS ON WRITING
History–Social Science
8.2 Students analyze the political principles underlying the
U.S. Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied
powers of the federal government.
8.3 Students understand the foundation of the American
political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it.
8.9 Students analyze the early and steady attempts to abolish
slavery and to realize the ideals of the Declaration of
Independence.
Analysis Skills
CS 1 Students explain how major events are related to one
another in time.
HI 2 Students understand and distinguish cause, effect,
sequence, and correlation in historical events.
HR 5 Students detect different historical points of view.
English–Language Arts
Writing 8.2.4.a Write persuasive compositions that include
a well-defi ned thesis.
Reading 8.2.0 Students read and understand grade-level
appropriate material.
California Standards
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Download
1787
On May 14, state
delegates begin to
arrive at the Consti-
tutional Convention
in Philadelphia.
1786
Shays’s Rebellion
breaks out in
Massachusetts.
1785
The United
States begins
using the
dollar
currency.
1791
The Lady Washington
becomes the first U.S.
ship to reach Japan.
111
1791
The Bill of
Rights is
ratified by
the states in
December.
1781
On March 1 the
Articles of Confed-
eration go into effect
after being ratified
by all 13 states.
This photo shows Speaker of the House
Dennis Hastert swearing in the 108
th
Congress,
the legislative branch of the U.S. government.
In this chapter, you will learn about the nation’s
earliest government, the Articles of Confedera-
tion, and its failures to achieve national unity.
You will also read about the writing of the
Constitution and how it attempted to solve the
problems of the Articles by creating a new
system of government with three branches.
HOLT
History’s Impact
video series
Watch the video to under-
stand the impact of adding
new states.
1787
The Ottoman
Empire declares
war on Russia.
1782
Spain completes its conquest
of British Florida.
178 0 1785 179 0
Collection of the American
Numismatic Society, New York
What You Will Learn . . .
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government PDF Download
112 CHAPTER 00112 CHAPTER 4
Religion
Science and
Technology
Reading Social Studies
Additional reading
support can be
found in the
by Kylene Beers
Politics
Geography
Economics
Religion
Focus on Reading Like falling dominoes, historical events can
create huge chains of results, often stretching over many years. To
understand history and events, therefore, we often need to see how
they are related in time.
Understanding Chronological Order The word chronological
means “related to time.” Events discussed in this history book are
discussed in sequence, in the order in which they happened. To under-
stand history better, you can use a sequence chain to take notes about
events in the order they happened.
Society
and Culture
Sequence Chain
1620
The Pilgrims sign the Mayfl ower Compact.
1639
Connecticut creates the fi rst constitution
in the English colonies.
1689
The English Bill of Rights is passed.
1776
The American colonies declare their
independence from Great Britain.
Focus on Themes Visualize a row of dominoes,
lined up one after the other. Push over the fi rst one,
and—one after the other—all eventually fall. In this way,
the events in this chapter are like dominoes that cause
each other to occur. These events, one after another,
nally led to the formation of a new government and
a new society. If you read closely, you will see that
political disagreements started the entire process.
Tip: Writers sometimes signal
chronological order, or sequence,
by using words or phrases
like these:
rst, before, then, later, soon, after,
before long, next, eventually, fi nally
Chronological Order
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-1
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 113FORMING A GOVERNMENT 113
Key Terms
Key Terms
and People
and People
You Try It!
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Farmers Rebel
In August 1786, farmers in three western
counties began a revolt. Bands of angry citizens
closed down courts in western Massachusetts.
Their reasoning was simple—with the courts
shut down, no one’s property could be taken.
In September, a poor farmer and Revolutionary
War Veteran, Daniel Shays, led hundreds of
men in a forced shutdown of the Supreme
Court in Springfi eld, Massachusetts. The state
government ordered the farmers to stop the
revolt under threat of capture and death.
These threats only made Shays and his
followers more determined. The uprising of
farmers to protest high taxes and heavy debt
became known as Shays’s Rebellion.
Shay’s forces were defeated by state
troops in January 1787. By February many
of the rebels were in prison. During their
trial, 14 leaders were sentenced to death.
However, the state soon freed most of the
rebels, including Shays.
From
Chapter 4,
p. 123
After you have read the passage, answer the following questions.
1. Which happened fi rst—citizens closing courts in western
Massachusetts or Shays shutting down the Supreme Court? How
can you tell?
2. What happened after Shays’s forces were defeated by state troops?
3. Draw a sequence chain that shows the effects of Shays’ Rebellion
in the order they occurred.
Chapter 4
Section 1
Magna Carta (p. 114)
English Bill of Rights (p. 114)
constitution (p. 115)
Virginia Statute for Religious
Freedom (p. 115)
suffrage (p. 115)
Articles of Confederation (p. 116)
ratification (p. 116)
Land Ordinance of 1785 (p. 117)
Northwest Ordinance of 1787 (p. 117)
Northwest Territory (p. 117)
Section 2
tariffs (p. 121)
interstate commerce (p. 122)
depression (p. 123)
Daniel Shays (p. 123)
Shays’s Rebellion (p. 123)
Section 3
Constitutional Convention (p. 126)
James Madison (p. 126)
Virginia Plan (p. 126)
New Jersey Plan (p. 127)
Great Compromise (p. 127)
Three-Fifths Compromise (p. 128)
popular sovereignty (p. 129)
federalism (p. 129)
legislative branch (p. 129)
executive branch (p. 129)
judicial branch (p. 129)
checks and balances (p. 129)
Section 4
Antifederalists (p. 132)
George Mason (p. 132)
Federalists (p. 132)
Federalist Papers (p. 133)
amendments (p. 135)
Bill of Rights (p. 135)
Academic Vocabulary
In this chapter, you will learn the
following academic word:
advocate (p. 133)
Before you read Chapter 4, look for
clues that signal the order in which
events occurred.
ELA
Analysis HI 2 Understand and distinguish sequence.
HSS
Reading 8.2.0 Students read and understand grade-level appropriate material.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-2
114 CHAPTER 4
You live in a town in New England during the 1770s. In the town
meeting, people are hotly debating about who will have the right
to vote. Most think that only men who own property should be
able to vote. Some think that all property owners—men and
women—should have that right. A few others want all free men to
have the vote. Now it is time for the meeting to decide.
How would you have voted on this issue?
BUILDING BACKGROUND At the time of the Revolution, each
of the 13 states had its own government. The rights of citizens varied
from state to state. In their town meetings, people often argued about
exactly what those rights ought to be. Solving such issues was one
step in moving toward a national government.
Ideas about Government
The American colonies had taken a bold step in declaring their
independence from Great Britain in July 1776. Their next political
goal was to form a new government. To do so, the American people
drew from a wide range of political ideas.
English Laws and the Enlightenment
One source of inspiration was English law. England had lim-
ited the power of its kings and queens in two documents. These
were Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights.
Magna Carta
Magna Carta,
a document signed by King John in 1215, made the king sub-
a document signed by King John in 1215, made the king sub-
ject to law
ject to law.
The
The
English Bill of Rights
English Bill of Rights,
passed in 1689
passed in 1689,
declared
declared
the supremacy of Parliament
the supremacy of Parliament. It kept the king or queen from
passing new taxes or changing laws without Parliament’s con-
sent. As a result, the people’s representatives had a strong voice
in England’s government.
Americans were also infl uenced by Enlightenment—a philosoph-
ical movement that emphasized the use of reason to examine old
If YOU were there...
The Articles of
Confederation
SECTION
1
Key Terms and People
Magna Carta, p. 114
English Bill of Rights, p. 114
constitution, p. 115
Virginia Statute for Religious
Freedom, p. 115
suffrage, p. 115
Articles of Confederation, p. 116
ratification, p. 116
Land Ordinance of 1785, p. 117
Northwest Ordinance of 1787, p. 117
Northwest Territory, p. 117
What You Will Learn . . .
1. The American people
examined many ideas
about government.
2. The Articles of Confederation
laid the base for the first
national government of the
United States.
3. The Confederation
Congress established
the Northwest Territory.
Main Ideas
The Articles of Confederation
provided a framework for a
national government.
The Big Idea
HSS
8.3.2
Explain how the ordi-
nances of 1785 and 1787 privatized
national resources and transferred
federally owned lands into private
holding, townships, and states.
HSS
8.9.3
Describe the signifi -
cance of the Northwest Ordinance in
education and in the banning of slavery
in new states north of the Ohio River.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-3
ideas and traditions. Philosopher John Locke
believed that a social contract existed between
political rulers and the people they ruled.
Baron de Montesquieu argued that the only
way people could achieve liberty was through
the separation of governmental powers.
American Models of Government
Americans had their own models of self-
government to follow, like town meetings,
the Virginia House of Burgesses, and the
Mayfl ower Compact. In 1639 the people of
Connecticut drew up the English colonies’
rst written
constitution
constitution.
A constitution is
A constitution is
a set of basic principles and laws that states
a set of basic principles and laws that states
the powers and duties of the government
the powers and duties of the government. In
addition, the Declaration of Independence
clearly set forth the beliefs on which Ameri-
cans thought government should be based.
State Constitutions
To keep individual leaders from gaining too
much power, the new state constitutions cre-
ated limited governments, or governments
in which all leaders have to obey the laws.
Most state constitutions had rules to protect
the rights of citizens. Some banned slavery.
Some protected the rights of those accused of
a crime. Thomas Jefferson’s ideas about reli-
gious freedom were included in the
Virginia
Virginia
Statute for Religious Freedom
Statute for Religious Freedom.
This docu-
This docu-
ment declared that no person could be forced
ment declared that no person could be forced
to attend a particular church or be required to
to attend a particular church or be required to
pay for a church with tax money.
pay for a church with tax money.
Right to Vote
Under British rule, only free, white men that
owned land could vote. Many states’ constitu-
tions expanded
suffrage
suffrage
, or the right to vote,
, or the right to vote,
by allowing any white man who paid taxes
to vote. In every state, however, only land-
owners could hold public offi ce. Some states
originally allowed women and free African
Americans to vote, but these rights were soon
taken away. Suffrage would not be restored to
these groups for decades to come.
READING CHECK
Comparing What two
principles were common to state constitutions
written during the Revolutionary War?
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 115
New Jersey allowed women
to vote when it first joined
the United States. This right
was taken away by 1807.
Why do you think women
were not allowed to vote
in the early United States?
Women’s Suffrage
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116 CHAPTER 4
Articles of Confederation
The Second Continental Congress was orga-
nized to create a national government. The
Continental Congress appointed a Commit-
tee of Thirteen, with one member from each
colony. This group was assigned to discuss
and draft the Articles of Confederation, the
new national constitution.
Under the
Under the
Articles
Articles
of Confederation
of Confederation,
Con-
Con-
gress would become the single branch of
gress would become the single branch of
the national government, but it would have
the national government, but it would have
limited powers in order to protect the liber-
limited powers in order to protect the liber-
ties of the people.
ties of the people. Each state had one vote in
the Congress. Congress could settle confl icts
among the states, make coins, borrow money,
and make treaties with other countries and
with Native Americans. Congress could also
ask the states for money and soldiers. How-
ever, states had the power to refuse these
requests. In addition, the government did not
have a president or a national court system.
The Second Continental Congress passed
the Articles of Confederation on November 15,
1777. Then it sent the Articles to each state
legislature for
ratification
ratifi cation,
or official approval
or offi cial approval,
before the new national government could
take effect.
Confl icts over claims to western lands
slowed the process, but by 1779 every state
except Maryland had ratifi ed the Articles.
Maryland’s leaders refused to ratify until
other states gave up their western land
claims. Thomas Jefferson assured Maryland
that western lands would be made into new
states, rather than increasing territory for
existing states. Satisfi ed with this condition,
in March 1781 Maryland ratifi ed the Articles.
This put the fi rst national government of the
United States into effect.
READING CHECK
Summarizing What were
two weaknesses in the new national government?
116 CHAPTER 4
Each township
contained 36 sections.
Each section was one
square mile.
INTERPRETING MAPS
1. Location Which states were formed out of the
Northwest Territory?
2. Region Into how many sections was a township divided?
GEOGRAPHY
SKILLS
The Land Ordinances of 1785 and 1787
Surveying the West
In 1785 the Northwest Territory was
organized into lots that could be sold,
and in 1787 a government was organized.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-5
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 117
Section 1 Assessment
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
Online Quiz
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Identify What documents infl uenced
ideas about government in the United States?
b. Draw Conclusions What impact did the
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom have on
the U.S. government?
2. a. Identify What was the Articles of Confederation?
b. Summarize What powers were granted to
Congress by the Articles of Confederation?
c. Predict What are some possible problems
that might result from the lack of a national
court system?
3. a. Describe How were public lands in the West
divided by the Land Ordinance of 1785?
b. Evaluate In your opinion, what was the most
important element of the Northwest Ordinance
of 1787? Why?
Critical Thinking
4. Categorizing Copy the chart below. Use
it to identify the strengths and weaknesses
of the government created by the Articles
of Confederation.
FOCUS ON WRITING
5. Thinking about the Articles of Confederation
Make a list of powers the Articles of Confederation
gave the national government. Which ones seem
strong? Can you think of any important powers
that are missing?
Northwest Territory
Congress had to decide what to do with the
western lands now under its control and
how to raise money to pay debts. It tried to
solve both problems by selling the western
lands. Congress passed the
Land Ordinance
Land Ordinance
of 1785
of 1785,
which
which
set up a
set up a
system for survey-
system for survey-
ing and dividing
ing and dividing
western lands
western lands. The land was
split into townships, which were 36 square
miles divided into 36 lots of 640 acres each.
One lot was reserved for a public school, and
four lots were given to veterans. The remain-
ing lots were sold to the public.
To form a political system for the region,
Congress passed the
Northwest Ordinance
Northwest Ordinance
of 1787
of 1787.
The ordinance established the
The ordinance established the
Northwest Territory
Northwest Territory,
which included areas
which included areas
t
t
hat are now in Illinois
hat are now in Illinois,
Indiana
Indiana,
Michi-
Michi-
gan
gan,
Ohio
Ohio,
Minnesota,
Minnesota,
and Wisconsin
and Wisconsin. The
Northwest Ordinance created a system for
bringing new states into the Union. Congress
agreed that the Northwest Territory would be
divided into several smaller territories with a
governor appointed by Congress. When the
population of a territory reached 60,000, its
settlers could draft their own constitution
and ask to join the Union.
In addition, the law protected civil
liberties and required that public educa-
tion be provided. Finally, the ordinance
stated that “there shall be neither slavery
nor involuntary servitude [forced labor] in
the . . . territory.” This last condition banned
slavery in the Territory and set the standard
for future territories. However, slavery would
continue to be a controversial issue.
READING CHECK
Analyzing Information
How did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 affect
the United States?
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW The Northwest
Ordinance settled the future of the North-
west Territory. In the next section you
will read about other challenges the new
government faced.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 117
Townships
remained the
unit of local
government after
the Northwest
Territory was
divided into
states. Many of
these townships
still exist today.
THE IMPACT
TODAY
Articles of Confederation
Strengths Weaknesses
HSS
8.3.2,
8.9.3
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-6
History and Geography
The U.S. Constitution created a republican form of government
based on the consent of the people. The framers of the Con-
stitution blended ideas and examples from both the American
colonies and from England to write this lasting document.
118 CHAPTER 4
Origins
Constitution
of the
COLONIAL ASSEMBLIES
The British Parliaments two-chamber structure also influenced colonial
governments. In Article I, Section 1, of the Constitution, the framers
continued the practice of a two-chamber legislature.
“All legislative powers . . . shall be vested in a Congress of the United
States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.”
—Article 1, Section 1, U.S. Constitution
The Mayflower, shown here in an illustration, sailed
to America in 1620. Aboard the ship, 41men signed
the Mayflower Compact, the first document in the
colonies to establish guidelines for self-government.
The signers agreed that they and their families would
combine to form a “civil body politic,” or community.
THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT, 1620
VIRGINIA STATUTE FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, 1786
Classical liberal principles such as the written protection of
citizens’ personal liberties were reflected in the addition of
the Bill of Rights. The First Amendments freedom of religion
clauses were based on Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for
Religious Freedom. The document, which was accepted by the
Virginia legislature in 1786, ensured the separation of church
and state in Virginia.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...”
—First Amendment, U.S. Constitution
American colonies
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-7
ANALYZING INFORMATION
1. What documents did the framers look to when
writing the Constitution?
2. How did the English Parliamentary system affect
the kind of government the framers created?
THE ENLIGHTENMENT, 1700S
MAGNA CARTA, 1215
Enlightenment thinkers such as English philosopher
John Locke supported the movement toward self-
government. Locke argued in his writings that
government could exist only with “the consent
of the governed.” The framers of the Constitution
looked to Locke for inspiration when writing the
Constitution, as you can see from its very first words.
“We the people of the United States . . . “
—Preamble, U.S. Constitution
In this painting King John of England is signing Magna
Carta, or the Great Charter, which established that the
king was subject to the law just like everyone else. It
also declared that people could not be deprived of
their lives, liberty, or property ”except by the lawful
judgment of [their] peers, or by the law of the land.”
Compare this language to that of the Fifth
Amendment to the Constitution.
“No person shall be . . . deprived of life, liberty, or
property, without due process of law . . .”
—Fifth Amendment, U.S. Constitution
This painting shows King William and Queen Mary of
England. Before taking the throne, William and Mary
had to accept the English Bill of Rights. The English Bill
of Rights took even more power away from the monarch
than did Magna Carta. It also protected the rights of
English citizens. These ideas would later influence
the U.S.
Constitution.
“Excessive bail ought not be required, nor
excessive fines imposed; nor cruel and unusual
punishments inflicted.”
—English Bill of Rights
England
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 119
THE ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS, 1689
ANALYSIS
SKILL
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-8
SECTION
2
Key Terms and People
tariffs, p. 121
interstate commerce, p. 122
depression, p. 123
Daniel Shays, p. 123
Shays’s Rebellion, p. 123
What You Will Learn . . .
Problems faced by the young
nation made it clear that a new
constitution was needed.
The Big Idea
1. The United States had
difficulties with other nations.
2. Internal economic problems
plagued the new nation.
3. Shays’s Rebellion pointed out
weaknesses in the Articles
of Confederation.
4. Many Americans called for
changes in the national
government.
Main Ideas
If YOU were there...
The New Nation
Faces Challenges
120 CHAPTER 4
You own an orchard in Maryland in the 1780s. When you sell
apples and apple pies in the market, people pay you with paper
money. But now the tax collector says you must pay your taxes in
gold or silver coins, not paper money. You and the other farmers
are furious. Is this the liberty you fought a war for?
What would you do to protest against these taxes?
BUILDING BACKGROUND Americans surprised the world by
winning their independence from Great Britain. But the 13 new states
were far from being a strong nation. Internal problems, especially
with taxes and the economy, led to protests and rebellion. The
government also had trouble with foreign trade and treaties
.
Relations with Other Countries
Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress could not force
states to provide soldiers for an army. The Continental Army had
disbanded, or dissolved, soon after the signing of the Treaty of Paris
of 1783. Without an army, the national government found it dif-
cult to protect its citizens against foreign threats.
Trouble with Britain
It was also diffi cult to enforce international treaties such as the Treaty
of Paris of 1783. The United States found it especially hard to force
the British to turn over “with all convenient speed” their forts on
the American side of the Great Lakes. The United States wanted to
gain control of these forts because they protected valuable land and
fur-trade routes. Still, Britain was slow to withdraw from the area. A
British offi cial warned against the United States trying to seize the
forts by force. He said that any attempt to do so would be opposed by
the thousands of British soldiers who had settled in Canada after the
Revolution “who are ready to fl y to arms at a moment’s warning.”
HSS
8.2.2
Analyze the Articles of
Confederation and the Constitution
and the success of each in imple-
menting the ideals of the Declaration
of Independence.
8.3.5 Know the signifi cance of
domestic resistance movements and
ways in which the central govern-
ment responded to such movements
(e.g., Shays’s Rebellion, the Whiskey
Rebellion).
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-9
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BLOCKADE
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Trade with Britain
The United States also faced problems trad-
ing with Great Britain. After the signing of
the Treaty of Paris, Britain closed many of its
ports to American ships. Before the Revolu-
tionary War, colonial ships had traded a great
deal with the British West Indies and stopped
there on their way to other destinations. This
travel and trading stopped after 1783.
In addition, Britain forced American mer-
chants to pay high
tariffs
tariffs
taxes on imports
taxes on imports
or exports
or exports. The tariffs applied to goods such
as rice, tobacco, tar, and oil that were grown
or mined in the United States and then sold
in Britain. Merchants had to raise prices to
cover the tariffs. Ultimately, the costs would
be passed on to customers, who had to pay
higher prices for the goods. The economic
condition of the country was getting worse
by the day.
Trade with Spain
In 1784 Spanish offi cials closed the lower
Mississippi River to U.S. shipping. Western
farmers and merchants were furious because
they used the Mississippi to send goods to
eastern and foreign markets. Congress tried
to work out an agreement with Spain, but
the plan did not receive a majority vote in
Congress. The plan could not be passed. As a
result, Spain broke off the negotiations.
Many state leaders began to criticize
the national government. Rhode Island’s
representatives wrote, “Our federal govern-
ment is but a name; a mere shadow with-
out substance [power].” Critics believed
that Spain might have continued to nego-
tiate if the United States had possessed a
strong military. These leaders believed that
the national government needed to be
more powerful.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 121
INTERPRETING MAPS
1. Movement Along what river did trade goods
reach the port of New Orleans?
2. Location Along what three routes did U.S. trade
face foreign barriers?
GEOGRAPHY
SKILLS
AMERICAN
TRADE
ROUTE
Spain closed the
lower Mississippi
River to U.S.
shipping, hurting
western trade with
eastern markets.
EXPORTS
TO BRITAIN
High British tariffs
discouraged American
exports to Britain.
WEST
INDIES
TRADE
Britain closed
many ports to
American ships.
The United States Faces Trade Barriers
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-10
122 CHAPTER 4122 CHAPTER 4
Impact of Closed Markets
The closing of markets in the British West Indies
seriously affected the U.S. economy. James
Madison of Virginia wrote about the crisis.
The Revolution has robbed us of our trade
with the West Indies . . . without opening any
other channels to compensate [make up for] it.
In every point of view, indeed, the trade of this
country is in a deplorable [terrible] condition.
—James Madison, quoted in Independence on Trial
by Frederick W. Marks III
Farmers could no longer export their
goods to the British West Indies. They also
had to hire British ships to carry their goods
to British markets, which was very expen-
sive. American exports dropped while British
goods fl owed freely into the United States.
This unequal trade caused serious eco-
nomic problems for the new nation. British
merchants could sell manufactured products
in the United States at much lower prices
than locally made goods. This difference in
prices hurt American businesses.
The Confederation Congress could not
correct the problem because it did not have
the authority either to pass tariffs or to order
the states to pass tariffs. The states could
offer little help. If one state passed a tariff,
the British could simply sell their goods in
another state. Most states did not cooperate
in trade matters. Instead, states worked only
to increase their own trade rather than work-
ing to improve the trade situation for the
whole country.
In 1785 the situation led a British maga-
zine to call the new nation the Dis-United
States. As a result of the trade problems with
Britain, American merchants began looking
for other markets such as China, France, and
the Netherlands. Despite such attempts, Brit-
ain remained the most important trading
partner of the United States.
READING CHECK
Analyzing Why was the
Confederation Congress unable to solve America’s
economic problems?
Economic Problems
In addition to international trade issues,
other challenges soon appeared. Trade prob-
lems among the states, war debts, and a weak
economy plagued the states.
Trade among States
Because the Confederation Congress had no
power to regulate
interstate commerce
interstate commerce
trade between
trade between
two or more states
two or more states—states fol-
lowed their own trade interests. As a result,
trade laws differed from state to state. This
situation made trade diffi cult for merchants
whose businesses crossed state lines.
Infl ation
After the Revolutionary War, most states
had a hard time paying off war debts
and struggled to collect overdue taxes. To
ease this hardship, some states began
printing large amounts of paper money.
The result was infl ation. This money had
Daniel Shays, at the top of the steps, stands
firm in the face of demands that he leave the
courthouse in Springfield, Massachusetts. By
shutting down the courts, farmers hoped to
stop the government from selling their land.
What was the outcome of Shays’s Rebellion?
A Farmer Leads a Revolt
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-11
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 123
little or no real value, because states did
not have gold or silver to back it up. Infl a-
tion occurs when there are increased
prices for goods and services combined with
the reduced value of money. Congress had
no power to stop states from issuing more
paper money and thus stop infl ation.
Weak Economy
In Rhode Island the state legislature printed
large amounts of paper money worth very
little. This made debtors—people who owe
money—quite happy. They could pay back
their debts with paper money worth less
than the coins they had borrowed. However,
creditors—people who lend money—were
upset. Hundreds of creditors fl ed Rhode
Island to avoid being paid back with worth-
less money.
The loss of trade with Britain comb-
ined with infl ation created a
depression
depression.
A
A
depression is a period of low economic activ-
depression is a period of low economic activ-
ity combined with a rise in unemployment.
ity combined with a rise in unemployment.
READING CHECK
Summarizing What eco-
nomic problems did the new nation face?
Shayss Rebellion
Each state handled its economic problems
differently. Massachusetts refused to print
worthless paper money. It tried to pay its war
debts by collecting taxes on land.
Heavy Debts for Farmers
Massachusetts’s tax policy hit farmers hard.
As landowners, they had to pay the new
taxes. However, farmers had trouble paying
their debts. The courts began forcing them
to sell their property. Some farmers had to
serve terms in debtors’ prison; others had to
sell their labor.
Many government leaders in the state did
not care about the problems of poor farmers,
however. In some cases, farmers actually
owed these leaders money.
Farmers Rebel
In August 1786, farmers in three western
counties began a revolt. Bands of angry citi-
zens closed down courts in western Massa-
chusetts. Their reasoning was simple—with
the courts shut down, no one’s property could
be taken. In September a poor farmer and
Revolutionary War veteran,
Daniel Shays, led
hundreds of men in a forced shutdown of the
Supreme Court in Springfi eld, Massachusetts.
The state government ordered the farmers to
stop the revolt under threat of capture and
death. These threats only made Shays and
his followers more determined.
The uprising
The uprising
of farmers to protest high taxes and heavy
of farmers to protest high taxes and heavy
debt became known as
debt became known as
Shays’s
Shays’s
Rebellion
Rebellion.
Shays’s Defeat
Shays’s forces were defeated by state troops in
January 1787. By February many of the rebels
were in prison. During their trials, 14 leaders
were sentenced to death. However, the state
soon freed most of the rebels, including Shays.
State offi cials knew that many citizens of the
state agreed with the rebels and their cause.
READING CHECK
Finding Main Ideas
What led to Shays’s Rebellion?
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 123
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-12
HSS
8.2.2, 8.3.5
Section 2 Assessment
KEYWORD: 000 0000
Online Quiz
Domestic Problems International Problems
124 CHAPTER 4
Critical Thinking
5. Categorizing Copy the graphic organizer below. Use
it to identify the domestic and international problems
that arose under the Articles of Confederation.
FOCUS ON WRITING
6. Identifying Problems In this section you learned
about several problems of the young United States.
Were any of those problems made worse by the
powers that the Articles of Confederation did or
did not give the national government?
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
Calls for Change
In the end, Shays’s Rebellion showed the
weakness of the Confederation government.
It led some Americans to admit that the Arti-
cles of Confederation had failed to protect
the ideals of liberty set forth in the Declara-
tion of Independence.
When Massachusetts
had asked the national
government to help
put down Shays’s Rebel-
lion, Congress could
offer little help. More
Americans began call-
ing for a stronger cen-
tral government. They
wanted leaders who
would be able to pro-
tect the nation in times of crisis.
Earlier in 1786 the Virginia legislature had
called for a national conference. It wanted to
talk about economic problems and ways to
change the Articles of Confederation. The
meeting took place in Annapolis, Maryland,
in September 1786.
Nine states decided to send delegates to
the Annapolis Convention but some of their
delegates were late and missed the meeting.
Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, and South
Carolina did not respond to the request at all
and sent no delegates.
Because of the poor attendance, the
participants, including James Madison
and Alexander Hamilton, called on all
13 states to send delegates to a Constitu-
tional Convention in Philadelphia in May
1787. They planned to revise the Articles
of Confederation to better meet the needs
of the nation.
READING CHECK
Finding Main Ideas
Why did some people believe the national
government needed to change?
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW Many Ameri-
cans believed that Shays’s Rebellion was fi nal
proof that the national government needed
to be changed. In the next section you will
read about the Constitutional Convention.
124 CHAPTER 4
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Summarize What problems did the
United States experience with Spain and
Great Britain?
b. Predict What are some possible results of the
growing problems between the United States and
Great Britain? Why?
2. a. Describe What diffi culties were involved with
interstate commerce?
b. Analyze What was the cause of infl ation in the
new nation, and how could it have been prevented?
3. a. Explain How did Massachusetts’s tax policy
affect farmers?
b. Evaluate Defend the actions of Daniel Shays
and the other rebels.
4. a. Recall Why did Madison and Hamilton call for
a Constitutional Convention?
b. Analyze How did Shays’s Rebellion lead to a
call for change in the United States?
Section 2 Assessment
Online Quiz
HSS
8.2.2,
8.3.5
Most power held by states
One branch of government
Legislative branch has few powers
• No executive branch
• No judicial system
No system of checks and balances
Weaknesses of the Articles of
Confederation
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-13
SEE RUN OVER for HSS
SECTION
Creating the
Constitution
If YOU were there...
What You Will Learn . . .
SECTION
3
Key Terms and People
Constitutional Convention, p. 126
James Madison, p. 126
Virginia Plan, p. 126
New Jersey Plan, p. 127
Great Compromise, p. 127
Three-Fifths Compromise, p. 128
popular sovereignty, p. 129
federalism, p. 129
legislative branch, p. 129
executive branch, p. 129
judicial branch, p. 129
checks and balances, p. 129
A new constitution provided
a framework for a stronger
national government.
The Big Idea
1. The Constitutional Conven-
tion met to improve the gov-
ernment of the United States.
2. The issue of representation
led to the Great Compromise.
3. Regional debate over slavery
led to the Three-Fifths Com-
promise.
4. The U.S. Constitution created
federalism and a balance of
power.
Main Ideas
You are a merchant in Connecticut in 1787. You have been a
member of your state legislature for several years. This spring,
the legislature is choosing delegates to a convention to revise the
Articles of Confederation. Delegates will meet in Philadelphia.
It means leaving your business in others’ hands for most of the
summer. Still, you hope to be chosen.
Why would you want to go to the
Constitutional Convention?
BUILDING BACKGROUND It didn’t take long for people
to realize that the Articles of Confederation had many
weaknesses. By the mid-1780s most political leaders
agreed that changes were needed. To make those
changes, they called on people with experience
in government.
Constitutional Convention
In February 1787 the Confederation
Congress invited each state to send
delegates to a convention in Philadel-
phia. The goal of the meeting was to
improve the Articles of Confederation.
Delegates to the Constitutional
Convention met in Philadelphia’s
Independence Hall.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 125
HSS
8.2
Students analyze the
political principles underlying the
U.S. Constitution and compare the
enumerated and implied powers of
the federal government.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-14
126 CHAPTER 4
Signing of the Constitution
The
The
Constitutional Convention
Constitutional Convention
was held
was held
in May 1787 in Philadelphia’s Independence
in May 1787 in Philadelphia’s Independence
Hall
Hall
to improve the Articles of Confedera-
to improve the Articles of Confedera-
tion.
tion. However, delegates would leave with an
entirely new U.S. Constitution. This decision
angered some of the participants.
Most delegates were well educated, and
many had served in state legislatures or
Congress. Benjamin Franklin and
James
Madison
were there. Revolutionary War hero
George Washington was elected president of
the Convention.
Several important voices were absent. John
Adams and Thomas Jefferson could not attend.
Patrick Henry chose not to attend because he
did not want a stronger central government.
Women, African Americans, and Native Amer-
icans did not take part because they did not yet
have the rights of citizens.
READING CHECK
Summarizing What was the
purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
Great Compromise
Several issues divided the delegates to the
Constitutional Convention. Some members
wanted only small changes to the Articles
of Confederation, while others wanted to
rewrite the Articles completely.
Those delegates who wanted major
changes to the Articles had different goals.
For example, small and large states had dif-
ferent ideas about representation, economic
concerns such as tariffs, and slavery. In addi-
tion, delegates disagreed over how strong to
make the national government.
Virginia Plan
After the delegates had met for four
days, Edmund Randolph of Virginia pre-
sented the
Virginia Plan
Virginia Plan
. He proposed a
. He proposed a
new federal constitution that would give
new federal constitution that would give
sovereignty, or supreme power, to the
sovereignty, or supreme power, to the
central government.
central government. The legislature would be
126 CHAPTER 4
James MadisonRoger Sherman James Wilson
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-15
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 127
bicameral—made up of two houses, or groups
of representatives—and chosen on the basis
of state populations. Larger states would
thus have more representatives than would
smaller states. Delegates from the smaller
states believed that it would give too much
power to the larger states.
New Jersey Plan
The smaller states came up with a plan to
stop the larger states from getting too much
power. New Jersey delegate William Paterson
presented the small-state or
New Jersey Plan
New Jersey Plan,
which
which
called for a unicameral
called for a unicameral,
or one-house
or one-house,
legislature
legislature.
The plan gave each state an equal
The plan gave each state an equal
number of votes, thus an equal voice, in the
number of votes, thus an equal voice, in the
federal government
federal government. The plan gave the fed-
eral government the power to tax citizens in
all states, and it allowed the government to
regulate commerce.
Compromise is Reached
After a month of debate, the delegates
were unable to agree on how states should
be represented. The convention reached
a deadlock.
Finally, Roger Sherman of Connecticut
proposed a compromise plan. The legisla-
tive branch would have two houses. Each
state, regardless of its size, would have two
representatives in the Senate, or upper
house. This would give each state an equal
voice, pleasing the smaller states. In the
House of Representatives, or lower house,
the number of representatives for each
state would be determined by the state’s
population. This pleased the larger states.
The agreement to create a two-house
The agreement to create a two-house
legislature became known as the
legislature became known as the
Great
Great
Compromise
Compromise. James Wilson, a great speaker,
saw his dream of a strong national govern-
ment come true.
READING CHECK
Contrasting How did the
Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan differ?
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 127
All U.S. states
but one modeled
their legislative
branches on the
federal one, with
a House of Repre-
sentatives and a
Senate. Nebraska
has a unicameral
legislature.
THE IMPACT
TODAY
This painting shows the signing of the Constitution
on September 17, 1787. James Madison, number 4
on the diagram, became known as the “Father of
the Constitution” for his ideas about government
and his ability to lead the delegates to agreement.
Which person did the artist choose to make the
focus of this painting? Why do you think that is?
1
2
3
Roger Sherman
Alexander Hamilton
Benjamin Franklin
James Madison
George Washington
James Wilson
4
5
6
4
3
2
1
Virginia Plan
Great Compromise
New Jersey Plan
Gave more power to national
government
• Bicameral legislature
Number in both houses based
on population
• Bicameral legislature
Number of representatives
based on state populations
in lower house
Number of representatives
equal from each state
in upper house
Gave more power to state
governments
• Unicameral legislature
Number of representatives
equal from each state
5
6
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-16
128 CHAPTER 4
Three-Fifths Compromise
The debate over representation also involved
regional differences. Southern delegates
wanted enslaved Africans to be counted as
part of their state populations. This way they
would have more representatives, and more
power, in Congress. Northerners disagreed.
They wanted the number of slaves to deter-
mine taxes but not representation.
To resolve this problem, some delegates
thought of a compromise. They wanted to
count three-fi fths of the slaves in each state as
part of that state’s population to decide how
many representatives a state would have.
After much debate, the delegates voted to
accept the proposal, called the
Three-Fifths
Three-Fifths
Compromise
Compromise.
Under this agreement only
Under this agreement only
three-fi fths of a state’s slave population would
three-fi fths of a state’s slave population would
count when determining representation
count when determining representation.
Another major issue was the foreign slave
trade. Some of the delegates believed slavery
was wrong and wanted the federal govern-
ment to ban the slave trade. Others said that
the southern states’ economies needed the
slave trade. Many southern delegates said they
would leave the Union if the Constitution
immediately ended the slave trade.
Worried delegates reached another com-
promise, agreeing to end the slave trade in 20
years. The delegates omitted, or left out, the
words slavery and slave in the Constitution.
They referred instead to “free Persons” and
“all other Persons.” Oliver Ellsworth summed
up the view of many delegates. He said, “The
morality or wisdom of slavery . . . are consid-
erations belonging to the states themselves.”
READING CHECK
Summarizing What compro-
mise was reached over the issue of the slave trade?
POINTS OF VIEW
Compromise and the Slave Trade
Primary Source
The issue of slavery highlighted the
growing division between the North and
the South. Gouverneur Morris of New
York spoke with much emotion against
the Three-Fifths Compromise. Also, the
idea of banning the foreign slave trade
prompted southerners such as John
Rutledge of South Carolina to defend
the practice.
The admission of slaves into the
Representation . . . comes to this: that the
inhabitant of [a state] who goes to the coast
of Africa and . . . tears away his fellow
creatures from their dearest connections and
damns them to the most
cruel bondage [slavery],
shall have more votes
in a Government
[established] for pro-
tection of the rights
of mankind.
—Gouverneur
Morris,
quoted in Founding the
Republic,edited by
John J. Patrick
If the Convention thinks that
North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Georgia will ever agree to the plan
[to prohibit slave trade], unless their
right to import slaves be untouched,
the expectation is vain [useless].
—John Rutledge,
quoted in The Atlantic Monthly,February 1891,
by Frank Gaylord Cook
ANALYSIS
SKILL
ANALYZING PRIMARY SOURCES
Finding Main Ideas How did these two views of
slavery differ?
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-17
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 129
The Living Constitution
Most Convention delegates wanted a strong
national government. At the same time,
they hoped to protect
popular sovereignty
popular sovereignty,
the idea that political authority belongs
the idea that political authority belongs
to the people
to the people. Americans had boldly
declared this idea in the Declaration of
Independence.
Federalist Government
The delegates also wanted to balance the
power of the national government with
the powers of the states. Therefore, the
delegates created
federalism
federalism.
Federalism
Federalism
is the sharing of power between a central
is the sharing of power between a central
government and the states that make up
government and the states that make up
a country
a country.
Under the Constitution, each state must
obey the authority of the federal, or national,
government. States have control over govern-
ment functions not specifi cally assigned to the
federal government. This includes control of
local government, education, the chartering of
corporations, and the supervision of religious
bodies. States also have the power to create and
oversee civil and criminal law. States, however,
must protect the welfare of their citizens.
Checks and Balances
The Constitution also balances the power
among three branches, each responsible for
separate tasks. The fi rst is the
legislative branch
legislative branch,
or Congress. Congress is responsible for pro-
or Congress. Congress is responsible for pro-
posing and passing laws
posing and passing laws. It is made up of two
houses, as created in the Great Compromise.
The Senate has two members from each state.
In the House of Representatives each state is
represented according to its population.
The second branch, the
executive branch
executive branch,
includes the president and the departments
includes the president and the departments
that help run the government
that help run the government. The execu-
tive branch makes sure the law is carried out.
The third branch is the
judicial branch
judicial branch.
The
The
judicial branch is made up of all the national
judicial branch is made up of all the national
courts
courts. This branch is responsible for interpret-
ing laws, punishing criminals, and settling dis-
putes between states.
The framers of the Constitution created
a system of
checks and balances
checks and balances,
which
which
keeps
keeps
any
any
branch of government from becom-
branch of government from becom-
ing too powerful
ing too powerful. For example, Congress
has the power to pass bills into law. The
president has the power to veto, or reject, laws
that Congress passes. However, Congress can
override the president’s veto with a two-thirds
LINKING
T
O
DAY
TO
ANALYZING INFORMATION
How is the change in makeup of the legislative branch
shown through Linda and Loretta Sanchez?
ANALYSIS
SKILL
Legislative Branch
When it first met in 1789, the U.S. House of Representatives
had just 65 members. As the nation’s population grew, more
members were added. Today, the number has been set
at 435, to prevent the size of the House from growing
unmanageable. Though the numbers of women and
minorities in Congress are still unrepresentative of the
population as a whole, Congress has become more
diverse. Linda and Loretta Sanchez, pictured here, are
the first sisters to serve in Congress at the same time.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-18
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
KEYWORD: 000 0000
130 CHAPTER 4
majority vote. The Supreme Court has the
power to review laws passed by Congress and
strike down any law that violates the Consti-
tution by declaring it unconstitutional.
The fi nal draft of the Constitution was
completed in September 1787. Only 3 of the
42 delegates who remained refused to sign.
The signed Constitution was sent fi rst to Con-
gress and then to the states for ratifi cation.
The delegates knew that the Constitution was
not a perfect document but they believed they
had protected the ideas of republicanism.
READING CHECK
Summarizing Explain how
the system of checks and balances works in the
United States.
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW The Constitu-
tion balanced power among three branches
of the federal government but was only writ-
ten after many compromises. In the next sec-
tion you will read about Antifederalist and
Federalist views of the Constitution, and the
struggle to get it approved by the States.
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Recall Why did the Confederation Congress call
for a Constitutional Convention?
b. Elaborate Why do you think it was important
that most delegates had served in state legislatures?
2. a. Identify What was the Great Compromise?
b. Draw Conclusions How did state issues lead to
debate over structure of the central government?
3. a Explain What was the debate between North
and South over counting slave populations?
b. Contrast How did delegates’ views differ on the
issue of the foreign slave trade?
4. a. Recall Why did the framers of the Constitution
create a system of checks and balances?
b. Evaluate Did the Constitution resolve the
weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation?
Explain your answer.
Critical Thinking
5. Analyzing Copy the chart shown. Use it to identify
the problems that led to the Great Compromise
and the Three-Fifths Compromise, what confl icting
ideas were proposed, and the eventual solution
that created a compromise.
FOCUS ON WRITING
6. Thinking about the Constitution Look back
through what you’ve just read and make a list
of important features of the Constitution. Be
sure to note important compromises.
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
HSS
8.2
Section 3 Assessment
Online Quiz
The Constitution Strengthens the National Government
most power held by states
one branch of government
legislative branch has few powers
• no executive branch
• no judicial system
no system of checks and balances
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
most power held by national government
three branches of government
legislative branch has many powers
executive branch led by president
judicial branch to review the laws
firm system of checks and balances
Strengths of the Constitution
Problem
Confl icting Ideas
Solution
Great Compromise Three-Fifths Compromise
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-19
Benjamin Franklin
How did one man accomplish so much?
When did he live? 1706–1790
Where did he live? Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston but ran away to
Philadelphia at age 17 and made it his home. He also crossed the Atlantic Ocean
eight times and visited 10 countries.
What did he do? What didn’t he do! He was a printer, publisher, creator of
the fi rst circulating library, the fi rst president of the University of Pennsylvania,
inventor, scientist, philosopher, musician, economist, and the fi rst U.S. Postmaster
General. In politics he was a leading revolutionary, signer of the Decla-
ration of Independence, head of an antislavery organi-
zation, delegate to the Constitutional Convention,
and diplomat.
Why is he important? Benjamin Frank-
lin, son of a candlemaker, became a celebrity
in his own time, both in America and in
Europe. Few people have mastered so many
elds of knowledge and accomplished so
much. He invented many useful objects,
from bifocal glasses to the lightning rod.
One of the oldest founding fathers, Frank-
lin inspired younger revolutionaries such as
Thomas Jefferson. Franklin believed strongly
that people should volunteer and be
active in public service.
Finding Main Ideas How did Benjamin
Franklin’s life reflect his belief in public
service?
1729
Becomes owner
and publisher of the
Pennsylvania Gazette
1732–1758
Publishes Poor Rich-
ard: An Almanack
1752
Performs famous
experiment using
a kite to show that
electricity exists
in storm clouds
1775
Submits the Articles
of Confederation
1779
Appointed minister
to France
1782
Helps negotiate
the Treaty of Paris
with Britain
KEY EVENTS
BIOGRAPHY
131
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-20
SECTION
4
Key Terms and People
Antifederalists, p. 132
George Mason, p. 132
Federalists, p. 132
Federalist Papers, p. 133
amendments, p. 135
Bill of Rights, p. 135
What You Will Learn . . .
Americans carried on a vigor-
ous debate before ratifying the
Constitution.
The Big Idea
1. Federalists and Antifederal-
ists engaged in debate over
the new Constitution.
2. The Federalist Papers
played an important role in
the fight for ratification of the
Constitution.
3. Ten amendments were added
to the Constitution to provide
a Bill of Rights to protect
citizens.
Main Ideas
You are a newspaper editor in Philadelphia. During colonial rule,
offi cials sometimes closed down your newspaper because you had
criticized the governor. Now you are one of many Americans who
want to be sure the new Constitution will guarantee individual rights.
You are writing an editorial in your paper explaining what you want.
What rights would you want the
Constitution to protect?
BUILDING BACKGROUND The new Constitution did not make
everyone happy. Even its framers knew they had not made a perfect
document. Many people still did not want a strong national govern-
ment. They were afraid it would become as tyrannical as the British
government had been. Before approving the Constitution, they
wanted to be sure that their rights would be protected
.
Federalists and Antifederalists
When the Constitution was made public, a huge debate began
among many Americans.
Antifederalists
Antifederalists
people
people
who opposed
who opposed
the Constitution
the Constitution—thought that the Constitutional Convention
should not have created a new government. Others thought the
Constitution gave too much power to the central government. For
some Antifederalists, the main problem was that the Constitution
did not have a section that guaranteed individual rights. Delegate
George Mason became an Antifederalist for this reason.
Many Antifederalists were small farmers and debtors. However,
some were wealthy. Some Revolutionary War heroes were also strong
Antifederalists, including Richard Henry Lee, Samuel Adams, and Pat-
rick Henry. Antifederalists were challenged by many Americans who
believed that the United States needed a stronger central government.
Federalists
Federalists,
supporters
supporters
of the Constitution
of the Constitution, included James
Madison, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander
Hamilton, and John Jay. Most Federalists believed that the
If YOU were there...
Ratifying the
Constitution
132 CHAPTER 4
8.2.7 Describe the principles of fed-
eralism, dual sovereignty, separation
of powers, checks and balances, the
nature and purpose of majority rule,
and the ways in which the American
idea of constitutionalism preserves
individual rights.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-21
Constitution offered a good balance of
power. They thought it was a careful com-
promise between various political views.
Many Federalists were wealthy planters,
farmers, and lawyers. However, many oth-
ers were poor workers and craftspeople.
Merchants also supported the Constitution.
Federalists and Antifederalists debated
whether the new Constitution should be
approved by the state legislatures. They made
speeches and printed pamphlets
advocating
their views. The Federalists had to convince
people a change in the structure of govern-
ment was needed. To do this, they had to
overcome people’s fears that the Constitution
would make the government too powerful.
READING CHECK
Comparing and Contrasting
Explain the similarities and differences between
the Antifederalists and the Federalists.
Federalist Papers
One of the most important defenses of the
Constitution appeared in a series of essays
that became known as the
Federalist Papers
Federalist Papers.
These essays supporting the Constitution
These essays supporting the Constitution
were written anonymously under the name
were written anonymously under the name
Publius
Publius. They were actually written by Ham-
ilton, Madison, and Jay.
The authors of the Federalist Papers tried
to reassure Americans that the new federal
government would not overpower the states.
In Federalist Paper No. 10, Madison argued
that the diversity of the United States would
prevent any single group from dominating
the government.
The Federalist Papers were widely reprinted
in newspapers around the country as the
debate over the Constitution continued.
Finally, they were collected and published in
book form in 1788.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 133
Supported the Constitution as an
excellent plan for government
Defended his views in the Federalist Papers
Opposed the Constitution
Believed the Constitution needed a
section guaranteeing individual rights
ACADEMIC
VOCABULARY
advocate
to plead in favor of
Federalists vs. Antifederalists
Alexander Hamilton
Federalist
George Mason
Antifederalist
FOCUS ON
READING
Take notes on the
chronological
order of this
section. Which
was written first,
the Federalist
Papers or the Bill
of Rights?
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-22
134 CHAPTER 4134 CHAPTER 4
Primary Source
The Constitution needed only 9 states
to pass it. However, to establish and preserve
national unity, each state needed to ratify it.
Every state except Rhode Island held special
state conventions that gave citizens the chance
to discuss and vote on the Constitution.
Paul Revere served on a committee sup-
porting ratifi cation. He wrote of the Consti-
tution, “The proposed . . . government, is
well calculated [planned] to secure the lib-
erties, protect the property, and guard the
rights of the citizens of America.”
Antifederalists also spoke out in state
conventions. In New York, one citizen said,
“It appears that the government will fall into
the hands of the few and the great.”
On December 7, 1787, Delaware became
the fi rst state to ratify the Constitution.
Throughout the rest of 1787 and the fi rst half
of 1788, eight other states approved it. The
HISTORIC DOCUMENT
Federalist Paper No. 10
In November 1787, Number 10 in the series called the Federalist Papers was
written in support of the Constitution. In it, James Madison describes the way
federalism will overcome disagreements within society.
Madison believes
that lawmakers
are responsible
for regulating the
many compet-
ing concerns that
make up society.
ANALYZING PRIMARY SOURCES
Why does Madison think federalism will prevent
disagreement?
ANALYSIS
SKILL
Constitution went into effect in June 1788
after New Hampshire became the ninth state
to ratify it.
Political leaders across America knew the
new government needed the support of Vir-
ginia and New York, where debate still raged.
Virginia had the largest population in the
nation. New York was an important center
for business and trade.
Finally, Madison and other Virginia
Federalists convinced Virginia to ratify it in
mid-1788. In New York, Jay and Hamilton
said that New York City would break away
and join the new government. New York State
ratifi ed the Constitution in July. Rhode Island
was the last state to ratify it in May 1790.
READING CHECK
Drawing Conclusions
Why were Virginia and New York important
to the ratification of the Constitution?
The federal
government will
handle issues
affecting the nation
as a whole; state
and local govern-
ments will handle
those concerning
local issues.
A landed interest, a manufacturing interest, a mercantile [trading] interest,
a moneyed interest, with many lesser interests, grow up of necessity in
civilized nations, and divide them into different classes, actuated [moved]
by different sentiments and views. The regulation of these various and inter-
fering interests [opinions] forms the principal task of modern legislation, and
involves the spirit of party and faction [group] in the necessary and ordinary
operations of the government . . .
The federal Constitution forms a happy combination . . . the great . . . interests
being referred to the national [legislature]; the local and particular to the
state legislatures . . . The influence of factious leaders may kindle [start] a
flame within their particular states, but will be unable to spread a general
conflagration [large fire] through the other states.
—James Madison, quoted in Living American Documents,
edited by Isidore Starr, et al.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-23
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 135
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Identify Who were the Federalists and the
Antifederalists?
b. Draw Conclusions What was the main argument
of the Antifederalists against the Constitution?
2. a. Recall When did the Constitution go into effect?
b. Draw Conclusions Why was it important that
all 13 states ratify the Constitution?
c. Elaborate Do you think that the Federalist
Papers played an essential role in the ratifi cation
of the Constitution? Explain your answer.
3. a. Recall Why did Congress add the Bill of Rights?
b. Explain From where did legislators’ ideas for
the Bill of Rights come?
Critical Thinking
4. Contrasting Copy the chart at right and use it to
identify the differing arguments for and against
the Constitution.
FOCUS ON WRITING
5. Organizing Your Evidence In this section you learned
how the Bill of Rights was an important addition to
the Constitution. You now have all your evidence
about the difference between the Articles of Confed-
eration and the Constitution. Choose two or three of
the most important points and prepare to defend the
Constitution, just like Alexander Hamilton and James
Madison did in the Federalist Papers.
Bill of Rights
Several states ratifi ed the Constitution only
after they were promised that a bill protecting
individual rights would be added to it. Many
Antifederalists did not think that the Consti-
tution would protect personal freedoms.
Some Federalists said that the nation did
not need a federal bill of rights because the
Constitution itself was a bill of rights. It was,
they argued, written to protect the liberty of
all U.S. citizens.
James Madison wanted to make a bill of
rights one of the new government’s fi rst pri-
orities. In Congress’s fi rst session, Madison
encouraged the legislators to put together
a bill of rights. The rights would then be
added to the Constitution as
amendments
amendments,
or
or
offi cial changes
offi cial changes. In Article V of the
Constitution, the founders had provided a
way to change the document when necessary
in order to refl ect the will of the people. The
process requires that proposed amendments
must be approved by a two-thirds major-
ity of both houses of Congress and then
ratifi ed by three-fourths of the states before
taking effect.
Legislators took ideas from the state rati-
fying conventions, the Virginia Declaration
of Rights, the English Bill of Rights, and the
Declaration of Independence to make sure
that the abuses listed in the Declaration of
Independence would be illegal under the new
government. In September 1789 Congress
proposed 12 amendments and sent them to
the states for ratifi cation. By December 1791
the states had ratifi ed the
Bill
Bill
of Rights
of Rights
10
10
of the proposed amendments
of the proposed amendments
intended to
intended to
protect citizens’ rights
protect citizens’ rights.
These 10 amendments set a clear exam-
ple of how to amend the Constitution to fi t
the needs of a changing nation. The fl exibil-
ity of the U.S. Constitution has allowed it to
survive for more than 200 years.
READING CHECK
Summarizing Why is being
able to amend the Constitution important?
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW Early disagree-
ments over individual rights resulted in
the Bill of Rights. In the next chapter
you will learn about the structure of
the Constitution.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 135
HSS
8.2.7
Section 4 Assessment
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
Online Quiz
In 1789, Madison
suggested an
amendment limit-
ing Congress’s
power over its
own salary. This
amendment was
not passed until
1992.
THE IMPACT
TODAY
Federalist Views Antifederalist Views
vs.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-24
Social Studies Skills
Analysis
Critical
Thinking
Define the Skill
A point of view is a person’s outlook or attitude. It
is the way that he or she looks at a topic or thing.
Each person’s point of view is shaped by his or her
background. Because people’s backgrounds are dif-
ferent, their points of view are too. Since a person’s
point of view shapes his or her opinions, knowing
that point of view helps you understand and evalu-
ate those opinions. Being able to detect differences
in point of view is important to understanding dif-
ferences in people’s opinions and actions in history.
Learn the Skill
When you encounter someone’s beliefs, opinions,
or actions in your study of history, use the following
guidelines to determine his or her point of view.
1
Look for information about the person’s
background.
2
Ask yourself what factors in the person’s back-
ground might have infl uenced his or her opin-
ion or action concerning the topic or event.
3
Be aware that sometimes the person’s opinion
or actions themselves will provide clues to his or
her point of view.
Benjamin Lincoln led the troops that put down
Shays’s Rebellion in Massachusetts. He was also a
state politician and a general during the Revolution.
Lincoln offered this explanation of Shays’s uprising.
Among [the main causes] I rank the ease with which . . .
credit was obtained . . . in the time of [the Revolution] . . . .
The moment the day arrived when all discovered that
things were fast returning [to normal], . . . and that the
Determine Different Points of View
indolent [lazy persons] and improvident [unwise per-
sons] would soon experience the evils of their idleness
and sloth, many startled [panicked] . . . and . . . complained
. . . of the weight of public taxes . . . and at the cruelty of . . .
creditors [those to whom money is owed] to call for their
just dues [rightful payment]. . . The disaffected [unhappy
people] . . . attempted . . . to stop the courts of law, and to
suspend the operations of government. This they hoped
to do until . . . an end should thereby be put to public and
private debts.
Lincoln’s background as a general, state offi cial,
and leader against the rebels likely gave him a nega-
tive point of view on the revolt. His reference to the
rebels as lazy and unwise also provides clues to his
attitude. You should weigh such factors when evalu-
ating the accuracy of his statement.
Practice the Skill
The following statement about Shays’s Rebellion
came from a Massachusetts farmer. Read it and
apply the guidelines to answer the questions.
I have labored hard . . . all my days. I have been . . . obliged
to do more than my part in the [Revolution], been
loaded with . . . rates [taxes], . . . have been . . . [abused]
by sheriffs . . . and [debt] collectors . . . I have lost a great
deal . . . [T]he great men are going to get all we have, and
I think it is time for us to . . . put a stop to it.
1. From what point of view is this person com-
menting on the revolt? What is his opinion of it?
2. How does his view of himself differ from
Lincoln’s view of people like him?
3. Is this view of the revolt likely to be more
accurate than Lincoln’s view? Why or why not?
136 CHAPTER 4
Participation Study
HR5
Students detect the different historical points
of view on historical events.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-25
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 137
Standards Review
CHAPTER
4
Use the visual summary below to help you review
the main ideas of the chapter.
Visual
Summary
Reviewing Vocabulary, Terms, and People
Match the numbered person or term with the correct lettered defi nition.
1. Bill of Rights
2. checks and balances
3. constitution
4. Constitutional
Convention
5. Federalist Papers
a. agreement that stated that each slave would be
counted as three-fifths of a person when deter-
mining representation
b. delegate to the Constitutional Convention who
proposed the New Jersey Plan
c. increased prices for goods and services com-
bined with the reduced value of money
6. inflation
7. Northwest Territory
8. William Paterson
9. tariffs
10. Three-Fifths
Compromise
d. area including present-day Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and part of
Minnesota
e. meetings held in Philadelphia at which del-
egates from the states attempted to improve
the existing government
f. series of essays in support of the Constitution
g. set of basic principles that determines the
powers and duties of a government
h. system that prevents any branch of government
from becoming too powerful
i. taxes on imports or exports
j. the first 10 amendments to the Constitution
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 137
Visual
Summary
Bill of Rights
• first 10
amendments
• ensures basic
rights
The Constitution
• framework of
todays govern-
ment
• strengthened
national
government
• three branches
• checks and
balances
The Articles of
Confederation
• first government
of United States
• weak union of
states
• weaknesses
led to Shays’s
Rebellion
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-26
138 CHAPTER 4
Comprehension and
Critical Thinking
SECTION 1 (Pages 114–117)
11. a. Describe What powers did the Articles of
Confederation give the national government?
b. Summarize What did the Confederation
Congress do to strengthen the United States?
c. Evaluate Which document or institution
do you think had the greatest influence on the
development of the United States? Why?
SECTION 2
(Pages 120–124)
12. a. Recall What was Shays’s Rebellion?
b. Draw Conclusions What was the general atti-
tude of foreign nations toward the new govern-
ment of the United States? Why?
c. Evaluate Of the problems experienced by the
Confederation Congress, which do you think
was the most harmful? Why?
SECTION 3
(Pages 125–130)
13. a. Describe In what ways did the Constitution
strengthen the central government?
b. Explain How did the two compromises
reached during the Constitutional Convention
satisfy competing groups?
c. Elaborate In your opinion were there any
weaknesses in the Constitution? Explain your
answer.
SECTION 4
(Pages 132–135)
14. a. Recall Why was the Bill of Rights added to
the Constitution?
b. Draw Conclusions Why were some Ameri-
cans opposed to the Constitution?
c. Evaluate Would you have supported the Feder-
alists or the Antifederalists? Explain your answer.
Reviewing Themes
15. Politics What political problems resulted from
a weak central government under the Articles of
Confederation?
16. Politics How did political disagreements lead to
important compromises in the creation of the
Constitution?
Reading Skills
Understanding Chronological Order Use the Reading
Skills taught in this chapter to answer the question below.
17. Organize the following events chronologically
according to the chapter.
a. Federalist Papers is published.
b. Constitution is ratified.
c. Articles of Confederation is ratified.
d. Shays’s Rebellion occurs.
e. Constitutional Convention meets in
Philadelphia.
Social Studies Skills
Determine Different Points of View Use the Social
Studies Skills taught in this chapter to answer the ques-
tion below.
18. List three differences between the Virginia Plan
and the New Jersey Plan.
FOCUS ON WRITING
19. Writing Your Editorial You should start your edi-
torial with a strong statement of your opinion
about the Constitution. Then write two sentences
about each of your main points of support—
a weakness of the Articles of Confederation
and/or a strength of the Constitution. End your
editorial with a call to action: Ask the delegates
to the Constitutional Convention to ratify the
Constitution. Remember that you are trying to
convince people to make a very important deci-
sion for our country—be persuasive.
138 CHAPTER 4
HSS
8.3.2, 8.9.3
HSS
8.2.2, 8.3.5
HSS
8.2
HSS
8.2.7
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-27
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 139FORMING A GOVERNMENT 139
DIRECTIONS: Read each question and write the
letter of the best response.
!
The powers delegated by the proposed
Constitution to the federal government
are few and defi ned. Those which are
to remain in the State governments are
numerous and . . . will extend to all
objects which . . . concern the lives,
liberties, and properties of the people . . .
The operations of the federal government will
be most extensive and important in times of
war and danger; those of the State govern-
ments in times of peace and security.
—James Madison, Federalist Paper No. 45
What point was Madison making about the
system of government created by the pro-
posed Constitution?
A The states will continue to be in charge of day-
to-day government of the people.
B The federal government·s main function will be
to keep peace among the states.
C The state governments will have greater power
than the new federal government.
D The most important governing powers will be
held by the new federal government.
@
Which term would best describe the newly
independent nation in the 1780s?
A strong
B united
C troubled
D confi dent
#
Under the Articles of Confederation, the
greatest amount of power was in the hands
of the
A Congress.
B American people.
C national government.
D states.
$
The structure of the U.S. Congress was cre-
ated at the Constitutional Convention by the
A Virginia Plan.
B Great Compromise.
C New Jersey Plan.
D Three-Fifths Compromise.
%
The nation’s most widespread problems
under the Articles of Confederation involved
A trade.
B suffrage.
C slavery.
D rebellion.
Connecting with Past Learning
^
The Articles of Confederation created a sys-
tem of government most like that of
A the Ottoman Empire.
B feudal Europe.
C West African kingdoms.
D the Tang dynasty in China.
&
In Grade 7 you learned about Enlightenment
ideas of government. What European’s con-
tributions to society were most like those of
James Madison?
A Johannes Kepler
B Johannes Gutenberg
C Leonardo da Vinci
D Baron de Montesquieu
Standards Assessment
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government PDF
17 75
Forming a
Government
Government
4
CHAPTER
17771791
110 CHAPTER 4
1777
The Continental
Congress approves
the Articles of
Confederation on
November 15.
1778
The United States
and France
become allies.
A Newspaper Editorial It is 1788 and you’re writing an
editorial for a local newspaper. You want to convince your
readers that the new Constitution will be much better than
the old Articles of Confederation. In this chapter you’ll find
the information you need to support your opinion.
FOCUS ON WRITING
History–Social Science
8.2 Students analyze the political principles underlying the
U.S. Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied
powers of the federal government.
8.3 Students understand the foundation of the American
political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it.
8.9 Students analyze the early and steady attempts to abolish
slavery and to realize the ideals of the Declaration of
Independence.
Analysis Skills
CS 1 Students explain how major events are related to one
another in time.
HI 2 Students understand and distinguish cause, effect,
sequence, and correlation in historical events.
HR 5 Students detect different historical points of view.
English–Language Arts
Writing 8.2.4.a Write persuasive compositions that include
a well-defi ned thesis.
Reading 8.2.0 Students read and understand grade-level
appropriate material.
California Standards
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Download
1787
On May 14, state
delegates begin to
arrive at the Consti-
tutional Convention
in Philadelphia.
1786
Shays’s Rebellion
breaks out in
Massachusetts.
1785
The United
States begins
using the
dollar
currency.
1791
The Lady Washington
becomes the first U.S.
ship to reach Japan.
111
1791
The Bill of
Rights is
ratified by
the states in
December.
1781
On March 1 the
Articles of Confed-
eration go into effect
after being ratified
by all 13 states.
This photo shows Speaker of the House
Dennis Hastert swearing in the 108
th
Congress,
the legislative branch of the U.S. government.
In this chapter, you will learn about the nation’s
earliest government, the Articles of Confedera-
tion, and its failures to achieve national unity.
You will also read about the writing of the
Constitution and how it attempted to solve the
problems of the Articles by creating a new
system of government with three branches.
HOLT
History’s Impact
video series
Watch the video to under-
stand the impact of adding
new states.
1787
The Ottoman
Empire declares
war on Russia.
1782
Spain completes its conquest
of British Florida.
178 0 1785 179 0
Collection of the American
Numismatic Society, New York
What You Will Learn . . .
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government PDF Download
112 CHAPTER 00112 CHAPTER 4
Religion
Science and
Technology
Reading Social Studies
Additional reading
support can be
found in the
by Kylene Beers
Politics
Geography
Economics
Religion
Focus on Reading Like falling dominoes, historical events can
create huge chains of results, often stretching over many years. To
understand history and events, therefore, we often need to see how
they are related in time.
Understanding Chronological Order The word chronological
means “related to time.” Events discussed in this history book are
discussed in sequence, in the order in which they happened. To under-
stand history better, you can use a sequence chain to take notes about
events in the order they happened.
Society
and Culture
Sequence Chain
1620
The Pilgrims sign the Mayfl ower Compact.
1639
Connecticut creates the fi rst constitution
in the English colonies.
1689
The English Bill of Rights is passed.
1776
The American colonies declare their
independence from Great Britain.
Focus on Themes Visualize a row of dominoes,
lined up one after the other. Push over the fi rst one,
and—one after the other—all eventually fall. In this way,
the events in this chapter are like dominoes that cause
each other to occur. These events, one after another,
nally led to the formation of a new government and
a new society. If you read closely, you will see that
political disagreements started the entire process.
Tip: Writers sometimes signal
chronological order, or sequence,
by using words or phrases
like these:
rst, before, then, later, soon, after,
before long, next, eventually, fi nally
Chronological Order
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-1
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 113FORMING A GOVERNMENT 113
Key Terms
Key Terms
and People
and People
You Try It!
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Farmers Rebel
In August 1786, farmers in three western
counties began a revolt. Bands of angry citizens
closed down courts in western Massachusetts.
Their reasoning was simple—with the courts
shut down, no one’s property could be taken.
In September, a poor farmer and Revolutionary
War Veteran, Daniel Shays, led hundreds of
men in a forced shutdown of the Supreme
Court in Springfi eld, Massachusetts. The state
government ordered the farmers to stop the
revolt under threat of capture and death.
These threats only made Shays and his
followers more determined. The uprising of
farmers to protest high taxes and heavy debt
became known as Shays’s Rebellion.
Shay’s forces were defeated by state
troops in January 1787. By February many
of the rebels were in prison. During their
trial, 14 leaders were sentenced to death.
However, the state soon freed most of the
rebels, including Shays.
From
Chapter 4,
p. 123
After you have read the passage, answer the following questions.
1. Which happened fi rst—citizens closing courts in western
Massachusetts or Shays shutting down the Supreme Court? How
can you tell?
2. What happened after Shays’s forces were defeated by state troops?
3. Draw a sequence chain that shows the effects of Shays’ Rebellion
in the order they occurred.
Chapter 4
Section 1
Magna Carta (p. 114)
English Bill of Rights (p. 114)
constitution (p. 115)
Virginia Statute for Religious
Freedom (p. 115)
suffrage (p. 115)
Articles of Confederation (p. 116)
ratification (p. 116)
Land Ordinance of 1785 (p. 117)
Northwest Ordinance of 1787 (p. 117)
Northwest Territory (p. 117)
Section 2
tariffs (p. 121)
interstate commerce (p. 122)
depression (p. 123)
Daniel Shays (p. 123)
Shays’s Rebellion (p. 123)
Section 3
Constitutional Convention (p. 126)
James Madison (p. 126)
Virginia Plan (p. 126)
New Jersey Plan (p. 127)
Great Compromise (p. 127)
Three-Fifths Compromise (p. 128)
popular sovereignty (p. 129)
federalism (p. 129)
legislative branch (p. 129)
executive branch (p. 129)
judicial branch (p. 129)
checks and balances (p. 129)
Section 4
Antifederalists (p. 132)
George Mason (p. 132)
Federalists (p. 132)
Federalist Papers (p. 133)
amendments (p. 135)
Bill of Rights (p. 135)
Academic Vocabulary
In this chapter, you will learn the
following academic word:
advocate (p. 133)
Before you read Chapter 4, look for
clues that signal the order in which
events occurred.
ELA
Analysis HI 2 Understand and distinguish sequence.
HSS
Reading 8.2.0 Students read and understand grade-level appropriate material.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-2
114 CHAPTER 4
You live in a town in New England during the 1770s. In the town
meeting, people are hotly debating about who will have the right
to vote. Most think that only men who own property should be
able to vote. Some think that all property owners—men and
women—should have that right. A few others want all free men to
have the vote. Now it is time for the meeting to decide.
How would you have voted on this issue?
BUILDING BACKGROUND At the time of the Revolution, each
of the 13 states had its own government. The rights of citizens varied
from state to state. In their town meetings, people often argued about
exactly what those rights ought to be. Solving such issues was one
step in moving toward a national government.
Ideas about Government
The American colonies had taken a bold step in declaring their
independence from Great Britain in July 1776. Their next political
goal was to form a new government. To do so, the American people
drew from a wide range of political ideas.
English Laws and the Enlightenment
One source of inspiration was English law. England had lim-
ited the power of its kings and queens in two documents. These
were Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights.
Magna Carta
Magna Carta,
a document signed by King John in 1215, made the king sub-
a document signed by King John in 1215, made the king sub-
ject to law
ject to law.
The
The
English Bill of Rights
English Bill of Rights,
passed in 1689
passed in 1689,
declared
declared
the supremacy of Parliament
the supremacy of Parliament. It kept the king or queen from
passing new taxes or changing laws without Parliament’s con-
sent. As a result, the people’s representatives had a strong voice
in England’s government.
Americans were also infl uenced by Enlightenment—a philosoph-
ical movement that emphasized the use of reason to examine old
If YOU were there...
The Articles of
Confederation
SECTION
1
Key Terms and People
Magna Carta, p. 114
English Bill of Rights, p. 114
constitution, p. 115
Virginia Statute for Religious
Freedom, p. 115
suffrage, p. 115
Articles of Confederation, p. 116
ratification, p. 116
Land Ordinance of 1785, p. 117
Northwest Ordinance of 1787, p. 117
Northwest Territory, p. 117
What You Will Learn . . .
1. The American people
examined many ideas
about government.
2. The Articles of Confederation
laid the base for the first
national government of the
United States.
3. The Confederation
Congress established
the Northwest Territory.
Main Ideas
The Articles of Confederation
provided a framework for a
national government.
The Big Idea
HSS
8.3.2
Explain how the ordi-
nances of 1785 and 1787 privatized
national resources and transferred
federally owned lands into private
holding, townships, and states.
HSS
8.9.3
Describe the signifi -
cance of the Northwest Ordinance in
education and in the banning of slavery
in new states north of the Ohio River.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-3
ideas and traditions. Philosopher John Locke
believed that a social contract existed between
political rulers and the people they ruled.
Baron de Montesquieu argued that the only
way people could achieve liberty was through
the separation of governmental powers.
American Models of Government
Americans had their own models of self-
government to follow, like town meetings,
the Virginia House of Burgesses, and the
Mayfl ower Compact. In 1639 the people of
Connecticut drew up the English colonies’
rst written
constitution
constitution.
A constitution is
A constitution is
a set of basic principles and laws that states
a set of basic principles and laws that states
the powers and duties of the government
the powers and duties of the government. In
addition, the Declaration of Independence
clearly set forth the beliefs on which Ameri-
cans thought government should be based.
State Constitutions
To keep individual leaders from gaining too
much power, the new state constitutions cre-
ated limited governments, or governments
in which all leaders have to obey the laws.
Most state constitutions had rules to protect
the rights of citizens. Some banned slavery.
Some protected the rights of those accused of
a crime. Thomas Jefferson’s ideas about reli-
gious freedom were included in the
Virginia
Virginia
Statute for Religious Freedom
Statute for Religious Freedom.
This docu-
This docu-
ment declared that no person could be forced
ment declared that no person could be forced
to attend a particular church or be required to
to attend a particular church or be required to
pay for a church with tax money.
pay for a church with tax money.
Right to Vote
Under British rule, only free, white men that
owned land could vote. Many states’ constitu-
tions expanded
suffrage
suffrage
, or the right to vote,
, or the right to vote,
by allowing any white man who paid taxes
to vote. In every state, however, only land-
owners could hold public offi ce. Some states
originally allowed women and free African
Americans to vote, but these rights were soon
taken away. Suffrage would not be restored to
these groups for decades to come.
READING CHECK
Comparing What two
principles were common to state constitutions
written during the Revolutionary War?
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 115
New Jersey allowed women
to vote when it first joined
the United States. This right
was taken away by 1807.
Why do you think women
were not allowed to vote
in the early United States?
Women’s Suffrage
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-4
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5
4
7
8
1
8
15
13
1
9
20
2
1
22
23
2
4
30
29
28
27
26
2
5
3
1
3
2
33
3
4
3
5
36
H
alf section
320
acres
Qua
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te
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s
ection
160
ac
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es
0 100 200 Miles
0 100 200 Kilometers
116 CHAPTER 4
Articles of Confederation
The Second Continental Congress was orga-
nized to create a national government. The
Continental Congress appointed a Commit-
tee of Thirteen, with one member from each
colony. This group was assigned to discuss
and draft the Articles of Confederation, the
new national constitution.
Under the
Under the
Articles
Articles
of Confederation
of Confederation,
Con-
Con-
gress would become the single branch of
gress would become the single branch of
the national government, but it would have
the national government, but it would have
limited powers in order to protect the liber-
limited powers in order to protect the liber-
ties of the people.
ties of the people. Each state had one vote in
the Congress. Congress could settle confl icts
among the states, make coins, borrow money,
and make treaties with other countries and
with Native Americans. Congress could also
ask the states for money and soldiers. How-
ever, states had the power to refuse these
requests. In addition, the government did not
have a president or a national court system.
The Second Continental Congress passed
the Articles of Confederation on November 15,
1777. Then it sent the Articles to each state
legislature for
ratification
ratifi cation,
or official approval
or offi cial approval,
before the new national government could
take effect.
Confl icts over claims to western lands
slowed the process, but by 1779 every state
except Maryland had ratifi ed the Articles.
Maryland’s leaders refused to ratify until
other states gave up their western land
claims. Thomas Jefferson assured Maryland
that western lands would be made into new
states, rather than increasing territory for
existing states. Satisfi ed with this condition,
in March 1781 Maryland ratifi ed the Articles.
This put the fi rst national government of the
United States into effect.
READING CHECK
Summarizing What were
two weaknesses in the new national government?
116 CHAPTER 4
Each township
contained 36 sections.
Each section was one
square mile.
INTERPRETING MAPS
1. Location Which states were formed out of the
Northwest Territory?
2. Region Into how many sections was a township divided?
GEOGRAPHY
SKILLS
The Land Ordinances of 1785 and 1787
Surveying the West
In 1785 the Northwest Territory was
organized into lots that could be sold,
and in 1787 a government was organized.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-5
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 117
Section 1 Assessment
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
Online Quiz
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Identify What documents infl uenced
ideas about government in the United States?
b. Draw Conclusions What impact did the
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom have on
the U.S. government?
2. a. Identify What was the Articles of Confederation?
b. Summarize What powers were granted to
Congress by the Articles of Confederation?
c. Predict What are some possible problems
that might result from the lack of a national
court system?
3. a. Describe How were public lands in the West
divided by the Land Ordinance of 1785?
b. Evaluate In your opinion, what was the most
important element of the Northwest Ordinance
of 1787? Why?
Critical Thinking
4. Categorizing Copy the chart below. Use
it to identify the strengths and weaknesses
of the government created by the Articles
of Confederation.
FOCUS ON WRITING
5. Thinking about the Articles of Confederation
Make a list of powers the Articles of Confederation
gave the national government. Which ones seem
strong? Can you think of any important powers
that are missing?
Northwest Territory
Congress had to decide what to do with the
western lands now under its control and
how to raise money to pay debts. It tried to
solve both problems by selling the western
lands. Congress passed the
Land Ordinance
Land Ordinance
of 1785
of 1785,
which
which
set up a
set up a
system for survey-
system for survey-
ing and dividing
ing and dividing
western lands
western lands. The land was
split into townships, which were 36 square
miles divided into 36 lots of 640 acres each.
One lot was reserved for a public school, and
four lots were given to veterans. The remain-
ing lots were sold to the public.
To form a political system for the region,
Congress passed the
Northwest Ordinance
Northwest Ordinance
of 1787
of 1787.
The ordinance established the
The ordinance established the
Northwest Territory
Northwest Territory,
which included areas
which included areas
t
t
hat are now in Illinois
hat are now in Illinois,
Indiana
Indiana,
Michi-
Michi-
gan
gan,
Ohio
Ohio,
Minnesota,
Minnesota,
and Wisconsin
and Wisconsin. The
Northwest Ordinance created a system for
bringing new states into the Union. Congress
agreed that the Northwest Territory would be
divided into several smaller territories with a
governor appointed by Congress. When the
population of a territory reached 60,000, its
settlers could draft their own constitution
and ask to join the Union.
In addition, the law protected civil
liberties and required that public educa-
tion be provided. Finally, the ordinance
stated that “there shall be neither slavery
nor involuntary servitude [forced labor] in
the . . . territory.” This last condition banned
slavery in the Territory and set the standard
for future territories. However, slavery would
continue to be a controversial issue.
READING CHECK
Analyzing Information
How did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 affect
the United States?
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW The Northwest
Ordinance settled the future of the North-
west Territory. In the next section you
will read about other challenges the new
government faced.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 117
Townships
remained the
unit of local
government after
the Northwest
Territory was
divided into
states. Many of
these townships
still exist today.
THE IMPACT
TODAY
Articles of Confederation
Strengths Weaknesses
HSS
8.3.2,
8.9.3
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-6
History and Geography
The U.S. Constitution created a republican form of government
based on the consent of the people. The framers of the Con-
stitution blended ideas and examples from both the American
colonies and from England to write this lasting document.
118 CHAPTER 4
Origins
Constitution
of the
COLONIAL ASSEMBLIES
The British Parliaments two-chamber structure also influenced colonial
governments. In Article I, Section 1, of the Constitution, the framers
continued the practice of a two-chamber legislature.
“All legislative powers . . . shall be vested in a Congress of the United
States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.”
—Article 1, Section 1, U.S. Constitution
The Mayflower, shown here in an illustration, sailed
to America in 1620. Aboard the ship, 41men signed
the Mayflower Compact, the first document in the
colonies to establish guidelines for self-government.
The signers agreed that they and their families would
combine to form a “civil body politic,” or community.
THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT, 1620
VIRGINIA STATUTE FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, 1786
Classical liberal principles such as the written protection of
citizens’ personal liberties were reflected in the addition of
the Bill of Rights. The First Amendments freedom of religion
clauses were based on Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for
Religious Freedom. The document, which was accepted by the
Virginia legislature in 1786, ensured the separation of church
and state in Virginia.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...”
—First Amendment, U.S. Constitution
American colonies
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-7
ANALYZING INFORMATION
1. What documents did the framers look to when
writing the Constitution?
2. How did the English Parliamentary system affect
the kind of government the framers created?
THE ENLIGHTENMENT, 1700S
MAGNA CARTA, 1215
Enlightenment thinkers such as English philosopher
John Locke supported the movement toward self-
government. Locke argued in his writings that
government could exist only with “the consent
of the governed.” The framers of the Constitution
looked to Locke for inspiration when writing the
Constitution, as you can see from its very first words.
“We the people of the United States . . . “
—Preamble, U.S. Constitution
In this painting King John of England is signing Magna
Carta, or the Great Charter, which established that the
king was subject to the law just like everyone else. It
also declared that people could not be deprived of
their lives, liberty, or property ”except by the lawful
judgment of [their] peers, or by the law of the land.”
Compare this language to that of the Fifth
Amendment to the Constitution.
“No person shall be . . . deprived of life, liberty, or
property, without due process of law . . .”
—Fifth Amendment, U.S. Constitution
This painting shows King William and Queen Mary of
England. Before taking the throne, William and Mary
had to accept the English Bill of Rights. The English Bill
of Rights took even more power away from the monarch
than did Magna Carta. It also protected the rights of
English citizens. These ideas would later influence
the U.S.
Constitution.
“Excessive bail ought not be required, nor
excessive fines imposed; nor cruel and unusual
punishments inflicted.”
—English Bill of Rights
England
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 119
THE ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS, 1689
ANALYSIS
SKILL
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-8
SECTION
2
Key Terms and People
tariffs, p. 121
interstate commerce, p. 122
depression, p. 123
Daniel Shays, p. 123
Shays’s Rebellion, p. 123
What You Will Learn . . .
Problems faced by the young
nation made it clear that a new
constitution was needed.
The Big Idea
1. The United States had
difficulties with other nations.
2. Internal economic problems
plagued the new nation.
3. Shays’s Rebellion pointed out
weaknesses in the Articles
of Confederation.
4. Many Americans called for
changes in the national
government.
Main Ideas
If YOU were there...
The New Nation
Faces Challenges
120 CHAPTER 4
You own an orchard in Maryland in the 1780s. When you sell
apples and apple pies in the market, people pay you with paper
money. But now the tax collector says you must pay your taxes in
gold or silver coins, not paper money. You and the other farmers
are furious. Is this the liberty you fought a war for?
What would you do to protest against these taxes?
BUILDING BACKGROUND Americans surprised the world by
winning their independence from Great Britain. But the 13 new states
were far from being a strong nation. Internal problems, especially
with taxes and the economy, led to protests and rebellion. The
government also had trouble with foreign trade and treaties
.
Relations with Other Countries
Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress could not force
states to provide soldiers for an army. The Continental Army had
disbanded, or dissolved, soon after the signing of the Treaty of Paris
of 1783. Without an army, the national government found it dif-
cult to protect its citizens against foreign threats.
Trouble with Britain
It was also diffi cult to enforce international treaties such as the Treaty
of Paris of 1783. The United States found it especially hard to force
the British to turn over “with all convenient speed” their forts on
the American side of the Great Lakes. The United States wanted to
gain control of these forts because they protected valuable land and
fur-trade routes. Still, Britain was slow to withdraw from the area. A
British offi cial warned against the United States trying to seize the
forts by force. He said that any attempt to do so would be opposed by
the thousands of British soldiers who had settled in Canada after the
Revolution “who are ready to fl y to arms at a moment’s warning.”
HSS
8.2.2
Analyze the Articles of
Confederation and the Constitution
and the success of each in imple-
menting the ideals of the Declaration
of Independence.
8.3.5 Know the signifi cance of
domestic resistance movements and
ways in which the central govern-
ment responded to such movements
(e.g., Shays’s Rebellion, the Whiskey
Rebellion).
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-9
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0300Miles
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BLOCKADE
BLOCKADE
BLOCKADE
BLOCKADE
B
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A
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B
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A
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Trade with Britain
The United States also faced problems trad-
ing with Great Britain. After the signing of
the Treaty of Paris, Britain closed many of its
ports to American ships. Before the Revolu-
tionary War, colonial ships had traded a great
deal with the British West Indies and stopped
there on their way to other destinations. This
travel and trading stopped after 1783.
In addition, Britain forced American mer-
chants to pay high
tariffs
tariffs
taxes on imports
taxes on imports
or exports
or exports. The tariffs applied to goods such
as rice, tobacco, tar, and oil that were grown
or mined in the United States and then sold
in Britain. Merchants had to raise prices to
cover the tariffs. Ultimately, the costs would
be passed on to customers, who had to pay
higher prices for the goods. The economic
condition of the country was getting worse
by the day.
Trade with Spain
In 1784 Spanish offi cials closed the lower
Mississippi River to U.S. shipping. Western
farmers and merchants were furious because
they used the Mississippi to send goods to
eastern and foreign markets. Congress tried
to work out an agreement with Spain, but
the plan did not receive a majority vote in
Congress. The plan could not be passed. As a
result, Spain broke off the negotiations.
Many state leaders began to criticize
the national government. Rhode Island’s
representatives wrote, “Our federal govern-
ment is but a name; a mere shadow with-
out substance [power].” Critics believed
that Spain might have continued to nego-
tiate if the United States had possessed a
strong military. These leaders believed that
the national government needed to be
more powerful.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 121
INTERPRETING MAPS
1. Movement Along what river did trade goods
reach the port of New Orleans?
2. Location Along what three routes did U.S. trade
face foreign barriers?
GEOGRAPHY
SKILLS
AMERICAN
TRADE
ROUTE
Spain closed the
lower Mississippi
River to U.S.
shipping, hurting
western trade with
eastern markets.
EXPORTS
TO BRITAIN
High British tariffs
discouraged American
exports to Britain.
WEST
INDIES
TRADE
Britain closed
many ports to
American ships.
The United States Faces Trade Barriers
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-10
122 CHAPTER 4122 CHAPTER 4
Impact of Closed Markets
The closing of markets in the British West Indies
seriously affected the U.S. economy. James
Madison of Virginia wrote about the crisis.
The Revolution has robbed us of our trade
with the West Indies . . . without opening any
other channels to compensate [make up for] it.
In every point of view, indeed, the trade of this
country is in a deplorable [terrible] condition.
—James Madison, quoted in Independence on Trial
by Frederick W. Marks III
Farmers could no longer export their
goods to the British West Indies. They also
had to hire British ships to carry their goods
to British markets, which was very expen-
sive. American exports dropped while British
goods fl owed freely into the United States.
This unequal trade caused serious eco-
nomic problems for the new nation. British
merchants could sell manufactured products
in the United States at much lower prices
than locally made goods. This difference in
prices hurt American businesses.
The Confederation Congress could not
correct the problem because it did not have
the authority either to pass tariffs or to order
the states to pass tariffs. The states could
offer little help. If one state passed a tariff,
the British could simply sell their goods in
another state. Most states did not cooperate
in trade matters. Instead, states worked only
to increase their own trade rather than work-
ing to improve the trade situation for the
whole country.
In 1785 the situation led a British maga-
zine to call the new nation the Dis-United
States. As a result of the trade problems with
Britain, American merchants began looking
for other markets such as China, France, and
the Netherlands. Despite such attempts, Brit-
ain remained the most important trading
partner of the United States.
READING CHECK
Analyzing Why was the
Confederation Congress unable to solve America’s
economic problems?
Economic Problems
In addition to international trade issues,
other challenges soon appeared. Trade prob-
lems among the states, war debts, and a weak
economy plagued the states.
Trade among States
Because the Confederation Congress had no
power to regulate
interstate commerce
interstate commerce
trade between
trade between
two or more states
two or more states—states fol-
lowed their own trade interests. As a result,
trade laws differed from state to state. This
situation made trade diffi cult for merchants
whose businesses crossed state lines.
Infl ation
After the Revolutionary War, most states
had a hard time paying off war debts
and struggled to collect overdue taxes. To
ease this hardship, some states began
printing large amounts of paper money.
The result was infl ation. This money had
Daniel Shays, at the top of the steps, stands
firm in the face of demands that he leave the
courthouse in Springfield, Massachusetts. By
shutting down the courts, farmers hoped to
stop the government from selling their land.
What was the outcome of Shays’s Rebellion?
A Farmer Leads a Revolt
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-11
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 123
little or no real value, because states did
not have gold or silver to back it up. Infl a-
tion occurs when there are increased
prices for goods and services combined with
the reduced value of money. Congress had
no power to stop states from issuing more
paper money and thus stop infl ation.
Weak Economy
In Rhode Island the state legislature printed
large amounts of paper money worth very
little. This made debtors—people who owe
money—quite happy. They could pay back
their debts with paper money worth less
than the coins they had borrowed. However,
creditors—people who lend money—were
upset. Hundreds of creditors fl ed Rhode
Island to avoid being paid back with worth-
less money.
The loss of trade with Britain comb-
ined with infl ation created a
depression
depression.
A
A
depression is a period of low economic activ-
depression is a period of low economic activ-
ity combined with a rise in unemployment.
ity combined with a rise in unemployment.
READING CHECK
Summarizing What eco-
nomic problems did the new nation face?
Shayss Rebellion
Each state handled its economic problems
differently. Massachusetts refused to print
worthless paper money. It tried to pay its war
debts by collecting taxes on land.
Heavy Debts for Farmers
Massachusetts’s tax policy hit farmers hard.
As landowners, they had to pay the new
taxes. However, farmers had trouble paying
their debts. The courts began forcing them
to sell their property. Some farmers had to
serve terms in debtors’ prison; others had to
sell their labor.
Many government leaders in the state did
not care about the problems of poor farmers,
however. In some cases, farmers actually
owed these leaders money.
Farmers Rebel
In August 1786, farmers in three western
counties began a revolt. Bands of angry citi-
zens closed down courts in western Massa-
chusetts. Their reasoning was simple—with
the courts shut down, no one’s property could
be taken. In September a poor farmer and
Revolutionary War veteran,
Daniel Shays, led
hundreds of men in a forced shutdown of the
Supreme Court in Springfi eld, Massachusetts.
The state government ordered the farmers to
stop the revolt under threat of capture and
death. These threats only made Shays and
his followers more determined.
The uprising
The uprising
of farmers to protest high taxes and heavy
of farmers to protest high taxes and heavy
debt became known as
debt became known as
Shays’s
Shays’s
Rebellion
Rebellion.
Shays’s Defeat
Shays’s forces were defeated by state troops in
January 1787. By February many of the rebels
were in prison. During their trials, 14 leaders
were sentenced to death. However, the state
soon freed most of the rebels, including Shays.
State offi cials knew that many citizens of the
state agreed with the rebels and their cause.
READING CHECK
Finding Main Ideas
What led to Shays’s Rebellion?
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 123
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-12
HSS
8.2.2, 8.3.5
Section 2 Assessment
KEYWORD: 000 0000
Online Quiz
Domestic Problems International Problems
124 CHAPTER 4
Critical Thinking
5. Categorizing Copy the graphic organizer below. Use
it to identify the domestic and international problems
that arose under the Articles of Confederation.
FOCUS ON WRITING
6. Identifying Problems In this section you learned
about several problems of the young United States.
Were any of those problems made worse by the
powers that the Articles of Confederation did or
did not give the national government?
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
Calls for Change
In the end, Shays’s Rebellion showed the
weakness of the Confederation government.
It led some Americans to admit that the Arti-
cles of Confederation had failed to protect
the ideals of liberty set forth in the Declara-
tion of Independence.
When Massachusetts
had asked the national
government to help
put down Shays’s Rebel-
lion, Congress could
offer little help. More
Americans began call-
ing for a stronger cen-
tral government. They
wanted leaders who
would be able to pro-
tect the nation in times of crisis.
Earlier in 1786 the Virginia legislature had
called for a national conference. It wanted to
talk about economic problems and ways to
change the Articles of Confederation. The
meeting took place in Annapolis, Maryland,
in September 1786.
Nine states decided to send delegates to
the Annapolis Convention but some of their
delegates were late and missed the meeting.
Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, and South
Carolina did not respond to the request at all
and sent no delegates.
Because of the poor attendance, the
participants, including James Madison
and Alexander Hamilton, called on all
13 states to send delegates to a Constitu-
tional Convention in Philadelphia in May
1787. They planned to revise the Articles
of Confederation to better meet the needs
of the nation.
READING CHECK
Finding Main Ideas
Why did some people believe the national
government needed to change?
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW Many Ameri-
cans believed that Shays’s Rebellion was fi nal
proof that the national government needed
to be changed. In the next section you will
read about the Constitutional Convention.
124 CHAPTER 4
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Summarize What problems did the
United States experience with Spain and
Great Britain?
b. Predict What are some possible results of the
growing problems between the United States and
Great Britain? Why?
2. a. Describe What diffi culties were involved with
interstate commerce?
b. Analyze What was the cause of infl ation in the
new nation, and how could it have been prevented?
3. a. Explain How did Massachusetts’s tax policy
affect farmers?
b. Evaluate Defend the actions of Daniel Shays
and the other rebels.
4. a. Recall Why did Madison and Hamilton call for
a Constitutional Convention?
b. Analyze How did Shays’s Rebellion lead to a
call for change in the United States?
Section 2 Assessment
Online Quiz
HSS
8.2.2,
8.3.5
Most power held by states
One branch of government
Legislative branch has few powers
• No executive branch
• No judicial system
No system of checks and balances
Weaknesses of the Articles of
Confederation
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-13
SEE RUN OVER for HSS
SECTION
Creating the
Constitution
If YOU were there...
What You Will Learn . . .
SECTION
3
Key Terms and People
Constitutional Convention, p. 126
James Madison, p. 126
Virginia Plan, p. 126
New Jersey Plan, p. 127
Great Compromise, p. 127
Three-Fifths Compromise, p. 128
popular sovereignty, p. 129
federalism, p. 129
legislative branch, p. 129
executive branch, p. 129
judicial branch, p. 129
checks and balances, p. 129
A new constitution provided
a framework for a stronger
national government.
The Big Idea
1. The Constitutional Conven-
tion met to improve the gov-
ernment of the United States.
2. The issue of representation
led to the Great Compromise.
3. Regional debate over slavery
led to the Three-Fifths Com-
promise.
4. The U.S. Constitution created
federalism and a balance of
power.
Main Ideas
You are a merchant in Connecticut in 1787. You have been a
member of your state legislature for several years. This spring,
the legislature is choosing delegates to a convention to revise the
Articles of Confederation. Delegates will meet in Philadelphia.
It means leaving your business in others’ hands for most of the
summer. Still, you hope to be chosen.
Why would you want to go to the
Constitutional Convention?
BUILDING BACKGROUND It didn’t take long for people
to realize that the Articles of Confederation had many
weaknesses. By the mid-1780s most political leaders
agreed that changes were needed. To make those
changes, they called on people with experience
in government.
Constitutional Convention
In February 1787 the Confederation
Congress invited each state to send
delegates to a convention in Philadel-
phia. The goal of the meeting was to
improve the Articles of Confederation.
Delegates to the Constitutional
Convention met in Philadelphia’s
Independence Hall.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 125
HSS
8.2
Students analyze the
political principles underlying the
U.S. Constitution and compare the
enumerated and implied powers of
the federal government.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-14
126 CHAPTER 4
Signing of the Constitution
The
The
Constitutional Convention
Constitutional Convention
was held
was held
in May 1787 in Philadelphia’s Independence
in May 1787 in Philadelphia’s Independence
Hall
Hall
to improve the Articles of Confedera-
to improve the Articles of Confedera-
tion.
tion. However, delegates would leave with an
entirely new U.S. Constitution. This decision
angered some of the participants.
Most delegates were well educated, and
many had served in state legislatures or
Congress. Benjamin Franklin and
James
Madison
were there. Revolutionary War hero
George Washington was elected president of
the Convention.
Several important voices were absent. John
Adams and Thomas Jefferson could not attend.
Patrick Henry chose not to attend because he
did not want a stronger central government.
Women, African Americans, and Native Amer-
icans did not take part because they did not yet
have the rights of citizens.
READING CHECK
Summarizing What was the
purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
Great Compromise
Several issues divided the delegates to the
Constitutional Convention. Some members
wanted only small changes to the Articles
of Confederation, while others wanted to
rewrite the Articles completely.
Those delegates who wanted major
changes to the Articles had different goals.
For example, small and large states had dif-
ferent ideas about representation, economic
concerns such as tariffs, and slavery. In addi-
tion, delegates disagreed over how strong to
make the national government.
Virginia Plan
After the delegates had met for four
days, Edmund Randolph of Virginia pre-
sented the
Virginia Plan
Virginia Plan
. He proposed a
. He proposed a
new federal constitution that would give
new federal constitution that would give
sovereignty, or supreme power, to the
sovereignty, or supreme power, to the
central government.
central government. The legislature would be
126 CHAPTER 4
James MadisonRoger Sherman James Wilson
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-15
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 127
bicameral—made up of two houses, or groups
of representatives—and chosen on the basis
of state populations. Larger states would
thus have more representatives than would
smaller states. Delegates from the smaller
states believed that it would give too much
power to the larger states.
New Jersey Plan
The smaller states came up with a plan to
stop the larger states from getting too much
power. New Jersey delegate William Paterson
presented the small-state or
New Jersey Plan
New Jersey Plan,
which
which
called for a unicameral
called for a unicameral,
or one-house
or one-house,
legislature
legislature.
The plan gave each state an equal
The plan gave each state an equal
number of votes, thus an equal voice, in the
number of votes, thus an equal voice, in the
federal government
federal government. The plan gave the fed-
eral government the power to tax citizens in
all states, and it allowed the government to
regulate commerce.
Compromise is Reached
After a month of debate, the delegates
were unable to agree on how states should
be represented. The convention reached
a deadlock.
Finally, Roger Sherman of Connecticut
proposed a compromise plan. The legisla-
tive branch would have two houses. Each
state, regardless of its size, would have two
representatives in the Senate, or upper
house. This would give each state an equal
voice, pleasing the smaller states. In the
House of Representatives, or lower house,
the number of representatives for each
state would be determined by the state’s
population. This pleased the larger states.
The agreement to create a two-house
The agreement to create a two-house
legislature became known as the
legislature became known as the
Great
Great
Compromise
Compromise. James Wilson, a great speaker,
saw his dream of a strong national govern-
ment come true.
READING CHECK
Contrasting How did the
Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan differ?
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 127
All U.S. states
but one modeled
their legislative
branches on the
federal one, with
a House of Repre-
sentatives and a
Senate. Nebraska
has a unicameral
legislature.
THE IMPACT
TODAY
This painting shows the signing of the Constitution
on September 17, 1787. James Madison, number 4
on the diagram, became known as the “Father of
the Constitution” for his ideas about government
and his ability to lead the delegates to agreement.
Which person did the artist choose to make the
focus of this painting? Why do you think that is?
1
2
3
Roger Sherman
Alexander Hamilton
Benjamin Franklin
James Madison
George Washington
James Wilson
4
5
6
4
3
2
1
Virginia Plan
Great Compromise
New Jersey Plan
Gave more power to national
government
• Bicameral legislature
Number in both houses based
on population
• Bicameral legislature
Number of representatives
based on state populations
in lower house
Number of representatives
equal from each state
in upper house
Gave more power to state
governments
• Unicameral legislature
Number of representatives
equal from each state
5
6
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-16
128 CHAPTER 4
Three-Fifths Compromise
The debate over representation also involved
regional differences. Southern delegates
wanted enslaved Africans to be counted as
part of their state populations. This way they
would have more representatives, and more
power, in Congress. Northerners disagreed.
They wanted the number of slaves to deter-
mine taxes but not representation.
To resolve this problem, some delegates
thought of a compromise. They wanted to
count three-fi fths of the slaves in each state as
part of that state’s population to decide how
many representatives a state would have.
After much debate, the delegates voted to
accept the proposal, called the
Three-Fifths
Three-Fifths
Compromise
Compromise.
Under this agreement only
Under this agreement only
three-fi fths of a state’s slave population would
three-fi fths of a state’s slave population would
count when determining representation
count when determining representation.
Another major issue was the foreign slave
trade. Some of the delegates believed slavery
was wrong and wanted the federal govern-
ment to ban the slave trade. Others said that
the southern states’ economies needed the
slave trade. Many southern delegates said they
would leave the Union if the Constitution
immediately ended the slave trade.
Worried delegates reached another com-
promise, agreeing to end the slave trade in 20
years. The delegates omitted, or left out, the
words slavery and slave in the Constitution.
They referred instead to “free Persons” and
“all other Persons.” Oliver Ellsworth summed
up the view of many delegates. He said, “The
morality or wisdom of slavery . . . are consid-
erations belonging to the states themselves.”
READING CHECK
Summarizing What compro-
mise was reached over the issue of the slave trade?
POINTS OF VIEW
Compromise and the Slave Trade
Primary Source
The issue of slavery highlighted the
growing division between the North and
the South. Gouverneur Morris of New
York spoke with much emotion against
the Three-Fifths Compromise. Also, the
idea of banning the foreign slave trade
prompted southerners such as John
Rutledge of South Carolina to defend
the practice.
The admission of slaves into the
Representation . . . comes to this: that the
inhabitant of [a state] who goes to the coast
of Africa and . . . tears away his fellow
creatures from their dearest connections and
damns them to the most
cruel bondage [slavery],
shall have more votes
in a Government
[established] for pro-
tection of the rights
of mankind.
—Gouverneur
Morris,
quoted in Founding the
Republic,edited by
John J. Patrick
If the Convention thinks that
North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Georgia will ever agree to the plan
[to prohibit slave trade], unless their
right to import slaves be untouched,
the expectation is vain [useless].
—John Rutledge,
quoted in The Atlantic Monthly,February 1891,
by Frank Gaylord Cook
ANALYSIS
SKILL
ANALYZING PRIMARY SOURCES
Finding Main Ideas How did these two views of
slavery differ?
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-17
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 129
The Living Constitution
Most Convention delegates wanted a strong
national government. At the same time,
they hoped to protect
popular sovereignty
popular sovereignty,
the idea that political authority belongs
the idea that political authority belongs
to the people
to the people. Americans had boldly
declared this idea in the Declaration of
Independence.
Federalist Government
The delegates also wanted to balance the
power of the national government with
the powers of the states. Therefore, the
delegates created
federalism
federalism.
Federalism
Federalism
is the sharing of power between a central
is the sharing of power between a central
government and the states that make up
government and the states that make up
a country
a country.
Under the Constitution, each state must
obey the authority of the federal, or national,
government. States have control over govern-
ment functions not specifi cally assigned to the
federal government. This includes control of
local government, education, the chartering of
corporations, and the supervision of religious
bodies. States also have the power to create and
oversee civil and criminal law. States, however,
must protect the welfare of their citizens.
Checks and Balances
The Constitution also balances the power
among three branches, each responsible for
separate tasks. The fi rst is the
legislative branch
legislative branch,
or Congress. Congress is responsible for pro-
or Congress. Congress is responsible for pro-
posing and passing laws
posing and passing laws. It is made up of two
houses, as created in the Great Compromise.
The Senate has two members from each state.
In the House of Representatives each state is
represented according to its population.
The second branch, the
executive branch
executive branch,
includes the president and the departments
includes the president and the departments
that help run the government
that help run the government. The execu-
tive branch makes sure the law is carried out.
The third branch is the
judicial branch
judicial branch.
The
The
judicial branch is made up of all the national
judicial branch is made up of all the national
courts
courts. This branch is responsible for interpret-
ing laws, punishing criminals, and settling dis-
putes between states.
The framers of the Constitution created
a system of
checks and balances
checks and balances,
which
which
keeps
keeps
any
any
branch of government from becom-
branch of government from becom-
ing too powerful
ing too powerful. For example, Congress
has the power to pass bills into law. The
president has the power to veto, or reject, laws
that Congress passes. However, Congress can
override the president’s veto with a two-thirds
LINKING
T
O
DAY
TO
ANALYZING INFORMATION
How is the change in makeup of the legislative branch
shown through Linda and Loretta Sanchez?
ANALYSIS
SKILL
Legislative Branch
When it first met in 1789, the U.S. House of Representatives
had just 65 members. As the nation’s population grew, more
members were added. Today, the number has been set
at 435, to prevent the size of the House from growing
unmanageable. Though the numbers of women and
minorities in Congress are still unrepresentative of the
population as a whole, Congress has become more
diverse. Linda and Loretta Sanchez, pictured here, are
the first sisters to serve in Congress at the same time.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-18
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
KEYWORD: 000 0000
130 CHAPTER 4
majority vote. The Supreme Court has the
power to review laws passed by Congress and
strike down any law that violates the Consti-
tution by declaring it unconstitutional.
The fi nal draft of the Constitution was
completed in September 1787. Only 3 of the
42 delegates who remained refused to sign.
The signed Constitution was sent fi rst to Con-
gress and then to the states for ratifi cation.
The delegates knew that the Constitution was
not a perfect document but they believed they
had protected the ideas of republicanism.
READING CHECK
Summarizing Explain how
the system of checks and balances works in the
United States.
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW The Constitu-
tion balanced power among three branches
of the federal government but was only writ-
ten after many compromises. In the next sec-
tion you will read about Antifederalist and
Federalist views of the Constitution, and the
struggle to get it approved by the States.
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Recall Why did the Confederation Congress call
for a Constitutional Convention?
b. Elaborate Why do you think it was important
that most delegates had served in state legislatures?
2. a. Identify What was the Great Compromise?
b. Draw Conclusions How did state issues lead to
debate over structure of the central government?
3. a Explain What was the debate between North
and South over counting slave populations?
b. Contrast How did delegates’ views differ on the
issue of the foreign slave trade?
4. a. Recall Why did the framers of the Constitution
create a system of checks and balances?
b. Evaluate Did the Constitution resolve the
weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation?
Explain your answer.
Critical Thinking
5. Analyzing Copy the chart shown. Use it to identify
the problems that led to the Great Compromise
and the Three-Fifths Compromise, what confl icting
ideas were proposed, and the eventual solution
that created a compromise.
FOCUS ON WRITING
6. Thinking about the Constitution Look back
through what you’ve just read and make a list
of important features of the Constitution. Be
sure to note important compromises.
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
HSS
8.2
Section 3 Assessment
Online Quiz
The Constitution Strengthens the National Government
most power held by states
one branch of government
legislative branch has few powers
• no executive branch
• no judicial system
no system of checks and balances
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
most power held by national government
three branches of government
legislative branch has many powers
executive branch led by president
judicial branch to review the laws
firm system of checks and balances
Strengths of the Constitution
Problem
Confl icting Ideas
Solution
Great Compromise Three-Fifths Compromise
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-19
Benjamin Franklin
How did one man accomplish so much?
When did he live? 1706–1790
Where did he live? Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston but ran away to
Philadelphia at age 17 and made it his home. He also crossed the Atlantic Ocean
eight times and visited 10 countries.
What did he do? What didn’t he do! He was a printer, publisher, creator of
the fi rst circulating library, the fi rst president of the University of Pennsylvania,
inventor, scientist, philosopher, musician, economist, and the fi rst U.S. Postmaster
General. In politics he was a leading revolutionary, signer of the Decla-
ration of Independence, head of an antislavery organi-
zation, delegate to the Constitutional Convention,
and diplomat.
Why is he important? Benjamin Frank-
lin, son of a candlemaker, became a celebrity
in his own time, both in America and in
Europe. Few people have mastered so many
elds of knowledge and accomplished so
much. He invented many useful objects,
from bifocal glasses to the lightning rod.
One of the oldest founding fathers, Frank-
lin inspired younger revolutionaries such as
Thomas Jefferson. Franklin believed strongly
that people should volunteer and be
active in public service.
Finding Main Ideas How did Benjamin
Franklin’s life reflect his belief in public
service?
1729
Becomes owner
and publisher of the
Pennsylvania Gazette
1732–1758
Publishes Poor Rich-
ard: An Almanack
1752
Performs famous
experiment using
a kite to show that
electricity exists
in storm clouds
1775
Submits the Articles
of Confederation
1779
Appointed minister
to France
1782
Helps negotiate
the Treaty of Paris
with Britain
KEY EVENTS
BIOGRAPHY
131
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-20
SECTION
4
Key Terms and People
Antifederalists, p. 132
George Mason, p. 132
Federalists, p. 132
Federalist Papers, p. 133
amendments, p. 135
Bill of Rights, p. 135
What You Will Learn . . .
Americans carried on a vigor-
ous debate before ratifying the
Constitution.
The Big Idea
1. Federalists and Antifederal-
ists engaged in debate over
the new Constitution.
2. The Federalist Papers
played an important role in
the fight for ratification of the
Constitution.
3. Ten amendments were added
to the Constitution to provide
a Bill of Rights to protect
citizens.
Main Ideas
You are a newspaper editor in Philadelphia. During colonial rule,
offi cials sometimes closed down your newspaper because you had
criticized the governor. Now you are one of many Americans who
want to be sure the new Constitution will guarantee individual rights.
You are writing an editorial in your paper explaining what you want.
What rights would you want the
Constitution to protect?
BUILDING BACKGROUND The new Constitution did not make
everyone happy. Even its framers knew they had not made a perfect
document. Many people still did not want a strong national govern-
ment. They were afraid it would become as tyrannical as the British
government had been. Before approving the Constitution, they
wanted to be sure that their rights would be protected
.
Federalists and Antifederalists
When the Constitution was made public, a huge debate began
among many Americans.
Antifederalists
Antifederalists
people
people
who opposed
who opposed
the Constitution
the Constitution—thought that the Constitutional Convention
should not have created a new government. Others thought the
Constitution gave too much power to the central government. For
some Antifederalists, the main problem was that the Constitution
did not have a section that guaranteed individual rights. Delegate
George Mason became an Antifederalist for this reason.
Many Antifederalists were small farmers and debtors. However,
some were wealthy. Some Revolutionary War heroes were also strong
Antifederalists, including Richard Henry Lee, Samuel Adams, and Pat-
rick Henry. Antifederalists were challenged by many Americans who
believed that the United States needed a stronger central government.
Federalists
Federalists,
supporters
supporters
of the Constitution
of the Constitution, included James
Madison, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander
Hamilton, and John Jay. Most Federalists believed that the
If YOU were there...
Ratifying the
Constitution
132 CHAPTER 4
8.2.7 Describe the principles of fed-
eralism, dual sovereignty, separation
of powers, checks and balances, the
nature and purpose of majority rule,
and the ways in which the American
idea of constitutionalism preserves
individual rights.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-21
Constitution offered a good balance of
power. They thought it was a careful com-
promise between various political views.
Many Federalists were wealthy planters,
farmers, and lawyers. However, many oth-
ers were poor workers and craftspeople.
Merchants also supported the Constitution.
Federalists and Antifederalists debated
whether the new Constitution should be
approved by the state legislatures. They made
speeches and printed pamphlets
advocating
their views. The Federalists had to convince
people a change in the structure of govern-
ment was needed. To do this, they had to
overcome people’s fears that the Constitution
would make the government too powerful.
READING CHECK
Comparing and Contrasting
Explain the similarities and differences between
the Antifederalists and the Federalists.
Federalist Papers
One of the most important defenses of the
Constitution appeared in a series of essays
that became known as the
Federalist Papers
Federalist Papers.
These essays supporting the Constitution
These essays supporting the Constitution
were written anonymously under the name
were written anonymously under the name
Publius
Publius. They were actually written by Ham-
ilton, Madison, and Jay.
The authors of the Federalist Papers tried
to reassure Americans that the new federal
government would not overpower the states.
In Federalist Paper No. 10, Madison argued
that the diversity of the United States would
prevent any single group from dominating
the government.
The Federalist Papers were widely reprinted
in newspapers around the country as the
debate over the Constitution continued.
Finally, they were collected and published in
book form in 1788.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 133
Supported the Constitution as an
excellent plan for government
Defended his views in the Federalist Papers
Opposed the Constitution
Believed the Constitution needed a
section guaranteeing individual rights
ACADEMIC
VOCABULARY
advocate
to plead in favor of
Federalists vs. Antifederalists
Alexander Hamilton
Federalist
George Mason
Antifederalist
FOCUS ON
READING
Take notes on the
chronological
order of this
section. Which
was written first,
the Federalist
Papers or the Bill
of Rights?
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-22
134 CHAPTER 4134 CHAPTER 4
Primary Source
The Constitution needed only 9 states
to pass it. However, to establish and preserve
national unity, each state needed to ratify it.
Every state except Rhode Island held special
state conventions that gave citizens the chance
to discuss and vote on the Constitution.
Paul Revere served on a committee sup-
porting ratifi cation. He wrote of the Consti-
tution, “The proposed . . . government, is
well calculated [planned] to secure the lib-
erties, protect the property, and guard the
rights of the citizens of America.”
Antifederalists also spoke out in state
conventions. In New York, one citizen said,
“It appears that the government will fall into
the hands of the few and the great.”
On December 7, 1787, Delaware became
the fi rst state to ratify the Constitution.
Throughout the rest of 1787 and the fi rst half
of 1788, eight other states approved it. The
HISTORIC DOCUMENT
Federalist Paper No. 10
In November 1787, Number 10 in the series called the Federalist Papers was
written in support of the Constitution. In it, James Madison describes the way
federalism will overcome disagreements within society.
Madison believes
that lawmakers
are responsible
for regulating the
many compet-
ing concerns that
make up society.
ANALYZING PRIMARY SOURCES
Why does Madison think federalism will prevent
disagreement?
ANALYSIS
SKILL
Constitution went into effect in June 1788
after New Hampshire became the ninth state
to ratify it.
Political leaders across America knew the
new government needed the support of Vir-
ginia and New York, where debate still raged.
Virginia had the largest population in the
nation. New York was an important center
for business and trade.
Finally, Madison and other Virginia
Federalists convinced Virginia to ratify it in
mid-1788. In New York, Jay and Hamilton
said that New York City would break away
and join the new government. New York State
ratifi ed the Constitution in July. Rhode Island
was the last state to ratify it in May 1790.
READING CHECK
Drawing Conclusions
Why were Virginia and New York important
to the ratification of the Constitution?
The federal
government will
handle issues
affecting the nation
as a whole; state
and local govern-
ments will handle
those concerning
local issues.
A landed interest, a manufacturing interest, a mercantile [trading] interest,
a moneyed interest, with many lesser interests, grow up of necessity in
civilized nations, and divide them into different classes, actuated [moved]
by different sentiments and views. The regulation of these various and inter-
fering interests [opinions] forms the principal task of modern legislation, and
involves the spirit of party and faction [group] in the necessary and ordinary
operations of the government . . .
The federal Constitution forms a happy combination . . . the great . . . interests
being referred to the national [legislature]; the local and particular to the
state legislatures . . . The influence of factious leaders may kindle [start] a
flame within their particular states, but will be unable to spread a general
conflagration [large fire] through the other states.
—James Madison, quoted in Living American Documents,
edited by Isidore Starr, et al.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-23
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 135
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People
1. a. Identify Who were the Federalists and the
Antifederalists?
b. Draw Conclusions What was the main argument
of the Antifederalists against the Constitution?
2. a. Recall When did the Constitution go into effect?
b. Draw Conclusions Why was it important that
all 13 states ratify the Constitution?
c. Elaborate Do you think that the Federalist
Papers played an essential role in the ratifi cation
of the Constitution? Explain your answer.
3. a. Recall Why did Congress add the Bill of Rights?
b. Explain From where did legislators’ ideas for
the Bill of Rights come?
Critical Thinking
4. Contrasting Copy the chart at right and use it to
identify the differing arguments for and against
the Constitution.
FOCUS ON WRITING
5. Organizing Your Evidence In this section you learned
how the Bill of Rights was an important addition to
the Constitution. You now have all your evidence
about the difference between the Articles of Confed-
eration and the Constitution. Choose two or three of
the most important points and prepare to defend the
Constitution, just like Alexander Hamilton and James
Madison did in the Federalist Papers.
Bill of Rights
Several states ratifi ed the Constitution only
after they were promised that a bill protecting
individual rights would be added to it. Many
Antifederalists did not think that the Consti-
tution would protect personal freedoms.
Some Federalists said that the nation did
not need a federal bill of rights because the
Constitution itself was a bill of rights. It was,
they argued, written to protect the liberty of
all U.S. citizens.
James Madison wanted to make a bill of
rights one of the new government’s fi rst pri-
orities. In Congress’s fi rst session, Madison
encouraged the legislators to put together
a bill of rights. The rights would then be
added to the Constitution as
amendments
amendments,
or
or
offi cial changes
offi cial changes. In Article V of the
Constitution, the founders had provided a
way to change the document when necessary
in order to refl ect the will of the people. The
process requires that proposed amendments
must be approved by a two-thirds major-
ity of both houses of Congress and then
ratifi ed by three-fourths of the states before
taking effect.
Legislators took ideas from the state rati-
fying conventions, the Virginia Declaration
of Rights, the English Bill of Rights, and the
Declaration of Independence to make sure
that the abuses listed in the Declaration of
Independence would be illegal under the new
government. In September 1789 Congress
proposed 12 amendments and sent them to
the states for ratifi cation. By December 1791
the states had ratifi ed the
Bill
Bill
of Rights
of Rights
10
10
of the proposed amendments
of the proposed amendments
intended to
intended to
protect citizens’ rights
protect citizens’ rights.
These 10 amendments set a clear exam-
ple of how to amend the Constitution to fi t
the needs of a changing nation. The fl exibil-
ity of the U.S. Constitution has allowed it to
survive for more than 200 years.
READING CHECK
Summarizing Why is being
able to amend the Constitution important?
SUMMARY AND PREVIEW Early disagree-
ments over individual rights resulted in
the Bill of Rights. In the next chapter
you will learn about the structure of
the Constitution.
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 135
HSS
8.2.7
Section 4 Assessment
KEYWORD: SS8 HP4
Online Quiz
In 1789, Madison
suggested an
amendment limit-
ing Congress’s
power over its
own salary. This
amendment was
not passed until
1992.
THE IMPACT
TODAY
Federalist Views Antifederalist Views
vs.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-24
Social Studies Skills
Analysis
Critical
Thinking
Define the Skill
A point of view is a person’s outlook or attitude. It
is the way that he or she looks at a topic or thing.
Each person’s point of view is shaped by his or her
background. Because people’s backgrounds are dif-
ferent, their points of view are too. Since a person’s
point of view shapes his or her opinions, knowing
that point of view helps you understand and evalu-
ate those opinions. Being able to detect differences
in point of view is important to understanding dif-
ferences in people’s opinions and actions in history.
Learn the Skill
When you encounter someone’s beliefs, opinions,
or actions in your study of history, use the following
guidelines to determine his or her point of view.
1
Look for information about the person’s
background.
2
Ask yourself what factors in the person’s back-
ground might have infl uenced his or her opin-
ion or action concerning the topic or event.
3
Be aware that sometimes the person’s opinion
or actions themselves will provide clues to his or
her point of view.
Benjamin Lincoln led the troops that put down
Shays’s Rebellion in Massachusetts. He was also a
state politician and a general during the Revolution.
Lincoln offered this explanation of Shays’s uprising.
Among [the main causes] I rank the ease with which . . .
credit was obtained . . . in the time of [the Revolution] . . . .
The moment the day arrived when all discovered that
things were fast returning [to normal], . . . and that the
Determine Different Points of View
indolent [lazy persons] and improvident [unwise per-
sons] would soon experience the evils of their idleness
and sloth, many startled [panicked] . . . and . . . complained
. . . of the weight of public taxes . . . and at the cruelty of . . .
creditors [those to whom money is owed] to call for their
just dues [rightful payment]. . . The disaffected [unhappy
people] . . . attempted . . . to stop the courts of law, and to
suspend the operations of government. This they hoped
to do until . . . an end should thereby be put to public and
private debts.
Lincoln’s background as a general, state offi cial,
and leader against the rebels likely gave him a nega-
tive point of view on the revolt. His reference to the
rebels as lazy and unwise also provides clues to his
attitude. You should weigh such factors when evalu-
ating the accuracy of his statement.
Practice the Skill
The following statement about Shays’s Rebellion
came from a Massachusetts farmer. Read it and
apply the guidelines to answer the questions.
I have labored hard . . . all my days. I have been . . . obliged
to do more than my part in the [Revolution], been
loaded with . . . rates [taxes], . . . have been . . . [abused]
by sheriffs . . . and [debt] collectors . . . I have lost a great
deal . . . [T]he great men are going to get all we have, and
I think it is time for us to . . . put a stop to it.
1. From what point of view is this person com-
menting on the revolt? What is his opinion of it?
2. How does his view of himself differ from
Lincoln’s view of people like him?
3. Is this view of the revolt likely to be more
accurate than Lincoln’s view? Why or why not?
136 CHAPTER 4
Participation Study
HR5
Students detect the different historical points
of view on historical events.
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-25
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 137
Standards Review
CHAPTER
4
Use the visual summary below to help you review
the main ideas of the chapter.
Visual
Summary
Reviewing Vocabulary, Terms, and People
Match the numbered person or term with the correct lettered defi nition.
1. Bill of Rights
2. checks and balances
3. constitution
4. Constitutional
Convention
5. Federalist Papers
a. agreement that stated that each slave would be
counted as three-fifths of a person when deter-
mining representation
b. delegate to the Constitutional Convention who
proposed the New Jersey Plan
c. increased prices for goods and services com-
bined with the reduced value of money
6. inflation
7. Northwest Territory
8. William Paterson
9. tariffs
10. Three-Fifths
Compromise
d. area including present-day Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and part of
Minnesota
e. meetings held in Philadelphia at which del-
egates from the states attempted to improve
the existing government
f. series of essays in support of the Constitution
g. set of basic principles that determines the
powers and duties of a government
h. system that prevents any branch of government
from becoming too powerful
i. taxes on imports or exports
j. the first 10 amendments to the Constitution
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 137
Visual
Summary
Bill of Rights
• first 10
amendments
• ensures basic
rights
The Constitution
• framework of
todays govern-
ment
• strengthened
national
government
• three branches
• checks and
balances
The Articles of
Confederation
• first government
of United States
• weak union of
states
• weaknesses
led to Shays’s
Rebellion
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-26
138 CHAPTER 4
Comprehension and
Critical Thinking
SECTION 1 (Pages 114–117)
11. a. Describe What powers did the Articles of
Confederation give the national government?
b. Summarize What did the Confederation
Congress do to strengthen the United States?
c. Evaluate Which document or institution
do you think had the greatest influence on the
development of the United States? Why?
SECTION 2
(Pages 120–124)
12. a. Recall What was Shays’s Rebellion?
b. Draw Conclusions What was the general atti-
tude of foreign nations toward the new govern-
ment of the United States? Why?
c. Evaluate Of the problems experienced by the
Confederation Congress, which do you think
was the most harmful? Why?
SECTION 3
(Pages 125–130)
13. a. Describe In what ways did the Constitution
strengthen the central government?
b. Explain How did the two compromises
reached during the Constitutional Convention
satisfy competing groups?
c. Elaborate In your opinion were there any
weaknesses in the Constitution? Explain your
answer.
SECTION 4
(Pages 132–135)
14. a. Recall Why was the Bill of Rights added to
the Constitution?
b. Draw Conclusions Why were some Ameri-
cans opposed to the Constitution?
c. Evaluate Would you have supported the Feder-
alists or the Antifederalists? Explain your answer.
Reviewing Themes
15. Politics What political problems resulted from
a weak central government under the Articles of
Confederation?
16. Politics How did political disagreements lead to
important compromises in the creation of the
Constitution?
Reading Skills
Understanding Chronological Order Use the Reading
Skills taught in this chapter to answer the question below.
17. Organize the following events chronologically
according to the chapter.
a. Federalist Papers is published.
b. Constitution is ratified.
c. Articles of Confederation is ratified.
d. Shays’s Rebellion occurs.
e. Constitutional Convention meets in
Philadelphia.
Social Studies Skills
Determine Different Points of View Use the Social
Studies Skills taught in this chapter to answer the ques-
tion below.
18. List three differences between the Virginia Plan
and the New Jersey Plan.
FOCUS ON WRITING
19. Writing Your Editorial You should start your edi-
torial with a strong statement of your opinion
about the Constitution. Then write two sentences
about each of your main points of support—
a weakness of the Articles of Confederation
and/or a strength of the Constitution. End your
editorial with a call to action: Ask the delegates
to the Constitutional Convention to ratify the
Constitution. Remember that you are trying to
convince people to make a very important deci-
sion for our country—be persuasive.
138 CHAPTER 4
HSS
8.3.2, 8.9.3
HSS
8.2.2, 8.3.5
HSS
8.2
HSS
8.2.7
US_History_Textbook_8th_Grade_Chapter_4_Forming_a_Government Image-27
FORMING A GOVERNMENT 139FORMING A GOVERNMENT 139
DIRECTIONS: Read each question and write the
letter of the best response.
!
The powers delegated by the proposed
Constitution to the federal government
are few and defi ned. Those which are
to remain in the State governments are
numerous and . . . will extend to all
objects which . . . concern the lives,
liberties, and properties of the people . . .
The operations of the federal government will
be most extensive and important in times of
war and danger; those of the State govern-
ments in times of peace and security.
—James Madison, Federalist Paper No. 45
What point was Madison making about the
system of government created by the pro-
posed Constitution?
A The states will continue to be in charge of day-
to-day government of the people.
B The federal government·s main function will be
to keep peace among the states.
C The state governments will have greater power
than the new federal government.
D The most important governing powers will be
held by the new federal government.
@
Which term would best describe the newly
independent nation in the 1780s?
A strong
B united
C troubled
D confi dent
#
Under the Articles of Confederation, the
greatest amount of power was in the hands
of the
A Congress.
B American people.
C national government.
D states.
$
The structure of the U.S. Congress was cre-
ated at the Constitutional Convention by the
A Virginia Plan.
B Great Compromise.
C New Jersey Plan.
D Three-Fifths Compromise.
%
The nation’s most widespread problems
under the Articles of Confederation involved
A trade.
B suffrage.
C slavery.
D rebellion.
Connecting with Past Learning
^
The Articles of Confederation created a sys-
tem of government most like that of
A the Ottoman Empire.
B feudal Europe.
C West African kingdoms.
D the Tang dynasty in China.
&
In Grade 7 you learned about Enlightenment
ideas of government. What European’s con-
tributions to society were most like those of
James Madison?
A Johannes Kepler
B Johannes Gutenberg
C Leonardo da Vinci
D Baron de Montesquieu
Standards Assessment

Subjects

U.S. History

Grade Levels

K12

Resource Type

PDF

US History Textbook 8th Grade Chapter 4 Forming a Government PDF Download

California Standards A A Science Students analyze the political principles underlying the I by Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied ! powers ofthe federal government . Students understand the foundation of the American I political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it . Students analyze the early and steady attempts to abolish slavery and to realize the ideals of the Declaration of Independence . Analysis Skills 051 Students explain how major events are related to one another in time . HI Students understand and distinguish cause , effect , sequence , and correlation in historical events . Students detect different historical points of view . Arts Writing Write persuasive compositions that include a thesis . Reading Students read and understand appropriate material . 1777 The Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation on November 15 . 1118 FOCUS ON WRITING A Newspaper Editorial It is 1788 and you writing an editorial for a local newspaper . You want to convince your readers that the new Constitution will be much better than the old Articles of Confederation . In this chapter you find the information you need to support your opinion . The United States and France become allies . I CHAPTER

History Impact video series Watch the video to stand the impact of adding new states . I , I . A i . What You Learn . i ' This photo shows of the House Dennis aring in the 108 ' the legislative branch of the government . In this chapter , you will learn about the . earliest government , the Articles of ' tion , and its failures to achieve national unity . You will also read about the writing of the ' Constitution and how it attempted to solve the problems of the Articles by creating a new system of government with three branches . 1791 On March the . Shays Rebellion On May 14 , state The Bill of Articles of ' A States begins breaks out in delegates begin to Rights is go into effect . I using the Massachusetts . arrive atthe ratified by after being ratified dollar Convention the states in by all 13 states . currency . in Philadelphia . December . Spain completes its conquest The Ottoman The Lady Washington of British Florida . Empire declares becomes the first Russia . reach Japan .

Reading Social Studies Economics Geography Religion Politics Focus on Themes a row of dominoes , lined up one after the other Push over the first one , after the eventually fall . In this way , the events in this chapter are like dominoes that cause Chronological Order FOCUS on Reading Like falling dominoes , historical events can create huge chains of results , often stretching over many years . To understand history and events , therefore , we often need to see how they are related in time . Understanding Chronological Order The word chronological means related to Events discussed in this history book are discussed in sequence , in the order in which they happened . To stand history better , you can use a sequence chain to take notes about events in the order they happened . Sequence Chain 1620 The Pilgrims sign the Mayflower Compact . 19 Connecticut creates the first constitution in the English colonies . 776 The American colonies declare their independence from Great Britain . I 12 CHAPTER by Beers and Culture each other to occur These events , one after another , finally led to the formation of a new government and a new society . If you read closely , you will see that political disagreements started the entire process . Tip Writers sometimes signal chronological order , or sequence , by using words or phrases like these first , before , then , later , soon , after , before long , next , eventually , finally Additional reading support can be found in the .

. I ELA Analysis HI Understand and distinguish sequence . Reading Students read and understand appropriate material . You Try It ! Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow . Chapter Section Magna Carta ( 114 ) English Bill of Rights ( 114 ) constitution ( 115 ) Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom ( 115 ) suffrage ( 175 ) Articles of Confederation ( 116 ) ratification ( 116 ) Land Ordinance of 1785 ( 117 ) Northwest Ordinance of 1787 ( 177 ) Northwest Territory ( 117 ) Farmers Rebel In August 1786 , farmers in three Western From counties began a revolt . Bands of angry citizens closed down courts in western Massachusetts . Their reasoning was the courts shut down , no one property could be taken . In September , a poor farmer and Revolutionary War Veteran , Daniel Shays , led hundreds of men in a forced shutdown of the Supreme Court in , Massachusetts . The state government ordered the farmers to stop the revolt under threat of capture and death . These threats only made Shays and his followers more determined . The uprising of farmers to protest high taxes and heavy debt became known as Shays Rebellion . Shay forces were defeated by state troops in January 1787 . By February many of the rebels were in prison . During their trial , 14 leaders were sentenced to death . However , the state soon freed most of the rebels , including Shays . Section tariffs ( 121 ) interstate commerce ( 122 ) depression ( 123 ) Daniel Shays ( 123 ) Shays Rebellion ( 123 ) Section Constitutional Convention ( 126 ) James Madison ( 126 ) Virginia Plan ( 126 ) New Jersey Plan ( 127 ) Great Compromise ( 127 ) Compromise ( 128 ) popular sovereignty ( 129 ) federalism ( 129 ) legislative branch ( executive branch ( judicial branch ( 129 ) checks and balances ( Section ( 132 ) George Mason ( 132 ) Federalists ( 132 ) Federalist Papers ( 133 ) amendments ( 135 ) Bill of Rights ( 135 ) After you have read the passage , answer the following questions . Which happened closing courts in western Massachusetts or Shays shutting down the Supreme Court ?

How can you tell ?

What happened after Shays forces were defeated by state troops ?

Academic Vocabulary In this chapter , you will learn the following academic word advocate ( 133 ) Draw a sequence chain that shows the effects of Shays Rebellion in the order they occurred . Before you read Chapter , look for clues that signal the order in which events occurred . FORMING A GOVERNMENT I

SECTION What You Will Learn . The American people examined many ideas about government . The Articles of Confederation laid the base forthe first national government of the United States . The Confederation Congress established the Northwest Territory . The Big Idea The Articles of Confederation provided a framework for a national government . Key Terms and People Magna Carta , 114 English Bill of Rights , 114 constitution , 115 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom , 115 suffrage , 115 Articles of Confederation , 116 ratification , 116 Ordinance of 1785 , 117 Ordinance of 1787 , 117 Territory , 117 IE Explain how the of 1785 and 1787 privatized national resources and transferred federally owned lands into private holding , townships , and states . IE Describe the ofthe Northwest Ordinance in education and in the banning of slavery in new states north ofthe Ohio River . I CHAPTER The Articles of Confederation If YOU were there You live in a town in New England during the 17705 . In the town meeting , people are hotly debating about who will have the right to vote . Most think that only men who own property should be able to vote . Some think that all property and have that right . A few others want all free men to have the vote . Now it is time for the meeting to decide . How would you have voted on this issue ?

BUILDING BACKGROUND Atthe time of the Revolution , each ofthe 13 states had its own government . The rights of citizens varied from state to state . In meetings , people often argued about exactly what those rights oughtto be . Solving such issues was one step in moving toward a national government . Ideas about Government The American colonies had taken a bold step in declaring their independence from Great Britain in July 1776 . Their next political goal was to form a new government . To do so , the American people drew from a wide range of political ideas . English Laws and the Enlightenment One source of inspiration was English law . England had ited the power of its kings and queens in two documents . These were Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights . Magna Carta , a document signed by King John in 1215 , made the king to law . The English Bill of Rights , passed in 1689 , declared the supremacy of Parliament . It kept the king or queen from passing new taxes or changing laws without Parliament sent . As a result , the peoples representatives had a strong voice in England government . Americans were also by ical movement that emphasized the use of reason to examine old

ideas and traditions . Philosopher John Locke believed that a social contract existed between political rulers and the people they ruled . Baron de argued that the only way people could achieve liberty was through the separation of powers . American Models of Government Americans had their own models of government to follow , like town meetings , the Virginia House of Burgesses , and the Compact . In 1639 the people of Connecticut drew up the English colonies written constitution . A constitution is a set of basic principles and laws that states the powers and duties of the government . In addition , the Declaration of Independence clearly set forth the beliefs on which cans thought government should be based . State Constitutions To keep individual leaders from gaining too much power , the new state constitutions ated limited governments , or governments in which all leaders have to obey the laws . Most state constitutions had rules to protect the rights of citizens . Some banned slavery . Some protected the rights of those accused of a crime . Thomas Jefferson ideas about freedom were included in the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom . This ment declared that no person could be forced to attend a particular church or be required to pay for a church with tax money Right to Vote Under British rule , only free , white men that owned land could Vote . Many states tions expanded suffrage , or the right to vote , by allowing any white man who paid taxes to vote . In every state , however , only owners could hold public . Some states originally allowed women and free African Americans to vote , but these rights were soon taken away . Suffrage would not be restored to these groups for decades to come . Comparing principles were common to state constitutions written during the Revolutionary War !

100 Kilometers , CANADA . a A I Surveying the West . In 1785 the Northwest Territory was ' organized into lots that could be sold , and in 1787 a government was organized . I 320 acres , iv ' WISCONSIN ' ontari I I 1343 A La ' Quarter ' of at I MICHIGAN 12 . 1337 We , a 17 NORTHWEST TERRITORY Each ' I I contained 36 sections . Each section was one I ILLINOIS INDIANA 1803 33 square mile . 1816 . I I I , I . i no miles . Io I , es . Location Which states were formed out of the Northwest Territory ?

Region Into how many sections was a township divided ?

Articles of Confederation The Second Continental Congress was to create a national government . The Continental Congress appointed a tee of Thirteen , with one member from each colony . This group was assigned to discuss and draft the Articles of Confederation , the new national constitution . Under the Articles of Confederation , would become the single branch of the national government , but it would have limited powers in order to protect the ties of the people . Each state had one vote in the Congress . Congress could settle among the states , make coins , borrow money , and make treaties with other countries and with Native Americans . Congress could also ask the states for money and soldiers . ever , states had the power to refuse these requests . In addition , the government did not have a president or a national court system . I CHAPTER The Second Continental Congress passed the Articles of Confederation on November 15 , 1777 . Then it sent the Articles to each state legislature for , or approval , before the new national government could take effect . over claims to western lands slowed the process , but by 1779 every state except Maryland had the Articles . Maryland leaders refused to ratify until other states gave up their western land claims . Thomas Jefferson assured Maryland that western lands would be made into new states , rather than increasing territory for existing states . with this condition , in March 781 Maryland the Articles . This put the national government of the United States into effect . Summarizing What were two weaknesses in the new national government ?

Northwest Territory governor appointed by Congress . When the population of a territory reached , its settlers could draft their own constitution and ask to join the Union . In addition , the law protected civil liberties and required that public Congress had to decide what to do with the western lands now under its control and how to raise money to pay debts . It tried to solve both problems by selling the western lands . Congress passed the Land Ordinance don be provided Finally the Ordinance of 1785 , which set up a system for I stated that there shall be neither slavery ing and dividing lands . The land was ' split into townships , which were 36 square not un my One a or In TODAY the . This last condition banned miles divided into 36 lots of 640 acres each . slavery in the Territory and set the standard remained me One lot was reserved for a public school , and . for future territories . However , slavery would unit or local four lots were given to veterans . The . continue to be a controversial issue . am ing lots were sold to the public . the Northwest To form a political system for the region , in Congress Passed the How did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 affect states , Many of of 1787 . The ordinance established the the united states ?

these townships Northwest Territory , which included areas that are now in Illinois , Indiana , gan , Ohio , Minnesota , and Wisconsin . The SUMMARY AND PREVIEW The Northwest Northwest Ordinance created a system for Ordinance settled the future of the bringing new states into the Union . Congress west . In the next section you agreed that the Northwest would be will read about other challenges the new divided into several smaller territories with a government faced . go um ( um Section Assessment Reviewing Ideas , Terms , and People , Critical Thinking a . Identify What documents influenced categorizing Copy the chart below . Use ideas about government in the United States ?

it to identify the strengths and weaknesses . Draw Conclusions What impact did the of the government created by the Articles Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom have on of Confederation . the government ?

I I . a . Identify What was the Articles of Confederation ?

es on era ' Strengths Weaknesses Summarize What powers were granted to Congress by the Articles of Confederation ?

Predict What are some possible problems that might result from the lack of a national court system ?

a . Describe How were public lands in the West divided by the Land Ordinance of 1785 ?

Evaluate In your opinion , what was the most element Of the . Thinking about the Articles of Confederation 17377 Make a list of powers the Articles of Confederation gave the national government . Which ones seem strong ?

Can you think of any important powers that are missing ?

FORMING A GOVERNMENT I History and Geography oi . created a republican form of government based on the consent of the people . framers of the blended ideas and examples from both the American . colonies and from England to write this lasting document . IV The Mayflower , shown here in an illustration , sailed to America in 1620 . Aboard the ship , 41 men signed . the Mayflower Compact , the first document in the ' colonies to establish guidelines for . The signers agreed that they and their families would , combine to form a civil body politic , or community . I . ASSEMBLIES I ' am The British Parliament structure also influenced colonial ' governments . In Article I , Section , of the Constitution , the framers continued the practice of a legislature . All legislative powers . shall be vested in a Congress of the United States , which shall consist of a Senate and House of title , Section , US . Constitution VIRGINIA STATUTE FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM , 1186 Classical liberal principles such as the written protection of citizens personal liberties were reflected in the addition of the Bill of Rights . The First Amendments freedom of religion clauses were based on Thomas Jefferson Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom . The document , which was accepted by the Virginia legislature in 1786 , ensured the separation of church and state in Virginia . Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof Amendment , Constitution I ,

SKILL ANALYZING INFORMATION . What documents did the framers look to when writing the Constitution ?

How did the English Parliamentary system affect the kind of government the framers created ?

MAGNA ( 1215 In this painting King John of England is signing Magna Carta , or the Great Charter , which established that the king was subject to the law just like everyone else . It also declared that people could not be deprived of their lives , liberty , or property except by the lawful of their peers , or by the law of the Compare this language to that of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution . No person shall be . deprived of life , liberty , or property , without due process of low . Amendment , Constitution THE ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS , 1689 This painting shows King William and Queen Mary of England . Before taking the throne , William and Mary had to accept the English Bill of Rights . The English Bill of Rights took even more power away from the monarch than did Magna Carta . It also protected the rights of English citizens . These ideas would later influence the . Excessive bail not be required , nor excessive imposed nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted . sh Bill of Rights IE Enlightenment thinkers such as English philosopher John Locke supported the movement toward government . Locke argued in his writings that government could exist only with the consent of the governed . The framers of the Constitution looked to Locke for inspiration when writing the Constitution , as you can see from its very first words . We the people of the United States .

SECTION What You will Learn . The United States had difficulties with other nations . Internal economic problems plagued the new nation . Shays Rebellion pointed out weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation . Many Americans called for changes in the national government . The Big Idea Problems faced by the young nation made it clearthat a new constitution was needed . Key Terms and People tariffs , 121 interstate commerce , 122 depression , 123 Daniel Shays , 123 Shays Rebellion , 123 Analyze the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution and the success of each in the ideals ofthe Declaration of Independence . Know the significance of domestic resistance movements and ways in which the central ment responded to such movements , Shays , the Whiskey Rebellion ) CHAPTER If YOU were there You own an orchard in Maryland in the 17805 . When you sell apples and apple pies in the market , people pay you with paper money . But now the tax collector says you must pay your taxes in gold or silver coins , not paper money . You and the other farmers are furious . Is this the liberty you fought a war for ?

What would you do to protest against these taxes ?

BUILDING BACKGROUND Americans surprised the world by winning their independence from Great Britain . But the 13 new states were farfrom being a strong nation . Internal problems , especially with taxes and the economy , led to protests and rebellion . The government also had trouble with foreign trade and treaties . Relations with Other Countries Under the Articles of Confederation , Congress could not force states to provide soldiers for an army . The Continental Army had disbanded , or dissolved , soon after the signing of the Treaty of Paris of 1783 . Without an army , the national government found it to protect its citizens against foreign threats . Trouble with Britain It was also to enforce international treaties such as the Treaty of Paris of 1783 . The United States found it especially hard to force the British to over with all convenient speed their forts on the American side of the Great Lakes . The United States wanted to gain control of these forts because they protected Valuable land and routes . Still , Britain was slow to withdraw from the area . A British official warned against the United States trying to seize the forts by force . He said that any attempt to do so would be opposed by the thousands of British soldiers who had settled in Canada after the Revolution who are ready to to arms at a moments warning .

' GEOGRAPHY . SKILLS i INTERPRETING MAPS . Movement Along what river did trade goods reach the port of New Orleans ?

EXPORTS BRITAIN INDIES TRADE ' Location Along routes did face foreign barriers ?

Trade with Britain The United States also faced problems ing with Great Britain . After the signing of the Treaty of Paris , Britain closed many of its ports to American ships . Before the War , colonial ships had traded a great deal with the British West Indies and stopped there on their way to other destinations . This travel and trading stopped after 1783 . In addition , Britain forced American chants to pay high tariffs on imports or exports . The tariffs applied to goods such as rice , tobacco , tar , and oil that were grown or mined in the United States and then sold in Britain . Merchants had to raise prices to cover the tariffs . Ultimately , the costs would be passed on to customers , who had to pay higher prices for the goods . The economic condition of the country was getting worse by the day . Trade with Spain In 1784 Spanish officials closed the lower Mississippi River to shipping . Western farmers and merchants were furious because they used the Mississippi to send goods to eastern and foreign markets . Congress tried to work out an agreement with Spain , but the plan did not receive a majority vote in Congress . The plan could not be passed . As a result , Spain broke off the negotiations . Many state leaders began to criticize the national government . Rhode representatives wrote , Our federal ment is but a name a mere shadow out substance power . Critics believed that Spain might have continued to if the United States had possessed a strong military . These leaders believed that the national government needed to be more powerful . FORMING A GOVERNMENT

Impact of Closed Markets The closing of markets in the British West seriously affected the economy . James Madison of Virginia wrote about the crisis . The Revolution has robbed us of with the West Indies . without opening any other channels to compensate make up for it . In every point of view , indeed , the trade of this country is in a deplorable terrible Madison , quoted in Independence on Trial by Frederick Marks III Farmers could no longer export their goods to the British West Indies . They also had to hire British ships to carry their goods to British markets , which was very sive . American exports dropped while British goods freely into the United States . This unequal trade caused serious nomic problems for the new nation . British merchants could sell manufactured products in the United States at much lower prices than locally made goods . This difference in prices hurt American businesses . The Confederation Congress could not correct the problem because it did not have the authority either to pass tariffs or to order the states to pass tariffs . The states could offer little help . If one state passed a tariff , the British could simply sell their goods in another state . Most states did not cooperate in trade matters . Instead , states worked only to increase their own trade rather than ing to improve the trade situation for the whole country . In 1785 the situation led a British zine to call the new nation the States . As a result of the trade problems with Britain , American merchants began looking for other markets such as China , France , and the Netherlands . Despite such attempts , ain remained the most important trading partner of the United States . Analyzing Confederation Congress unable to solve economic problems ?

CHAPTER Economic Problems In addition to international trade issues , other challenges soon appeared . Trade among the states , war debts , and a weak economy plagued the states . Trade among States Because the Confederation Congress had no power to regulate interstate commerce trade between two or more lowed their own trade interests . As a result , trade laws differed from state to state . This situation made trade for merchants whose businesses crossed state lines . After the Revolutionary War , most states had a hard time paying off war debts and struggled to collect overdue taxes . To ease this hardship , some states began printing large amounts of paper money . The result was . This money had A Fanner Leads a Revolt Daniel Shays . at the top of the steps . stands firm in the face of demands that he leave the courthouse in , Massachusetts . By shutting down the courts , hoped to stop the government from selling their land . What was the outcome of hays Rebellion ?

little or no real value , because states did not have gold or silver to back it up . tion occurs when there are increased prices for goods and services combined with the reduced value of money . Congress had no power to stop states from issuing more paper money and thus stop . Weak Economy In Rhode Island the state legislature printed large amounts of paper money worth very little . This made who owe happy . They could pay back their debts with paper money worth less than the coins they had borrowed . However , who lend upset . Hundreds of creditors Rhode Island to avoid being paid back with less money . The loss of trade with Britain ined with created a depression . A depression is a period of low economic ity combined with a rise in unemployment . Summarizing What nomic problems did the new nation face ?

Shays Rebellion Each state handled its economic problems differently . Massachusetts refused to print worthless paper money . It tried to pay its war debts by collecting taxes on land . Heavy Debts for Farmers Massachusetts tax policy hit farmers hard . As landowners , they had to pay the new taxes . However , farmers had trouble paying their debts . The courts began forcing them to sell their property . Some farmers had to serve terms in debtors prison others had to sell their labor . Many government leaders in the state did not care about the problems of poor farmers , however . In some cases , farmers actually owed these leaders money . Farmers Rebel In August 1786 , farmers in three western counties began a revolt . Bands of angry closed down courts in western . Their reasoning was the courts shut down , no one property could be taken . In September a poor farmer and Revolutionary War veteran , Daniel Shays , led hundreds of men in a forced shutdown of the Supreme Court in , Massachusetts . The state government ordered the farmers to stop the revolt under threat of capture and death . These threats only made Shays and his followers more determined . The uprising of farmers to protest high taxes and heavy debt became known as Shays Rebellion . Shays Defeat Shays forces were defeated by state troops in January 178 . By February many of the rebels were in prison . During their trials , 14 leaders were sentenced to death . However , the state soon freed most of the rebels , including Shays . State officials knew that many citizens of the state agreed with the rebels and their cause . Finding Main Ideas What led to Shays Rebellion ?

FORMING A GOVERNMENT Calls for Change In the end , Shays Rebellion showed the weakness of the Confederation government . It led some Americans to admit that the of Confederation had failed to protect the ideals of liberty set forth in the tion of Independence . Nine states decided to send delegates to the Annapolis Convention but some of their delegates were late and missed the meeting . Connecticut , Georgia , Maryland , and South Carolina did not respond to the request at all and sent no delegates . Because of the poor attendance , the One branch lion , Congress could Weaknesses of the Articles of pa ) confederation I had asked the national an er ami ton , ca on a ' by States government to help states to send delegates to put down ShayS , Convention in Philadelphia in May 1787 . They planned to revise the Articles of Confederation to better meet the needs of the nation . Finding Main Ideas Why did some people believe the national government needed to change ?

Legislative branch has few powers offer little help . More Americans began ing for a stronger government . They wanted leaders who would be able to the nation in times of crisis . Earlier in 786 the Virginia legislature had called for a national conference . It wanted to talk about economic problems and ways to change the Articles of Confederation . The meeting took place in Annapolis , Maryland , in September 1786 . No executive branch No system of checks and balances SUMMARY AND PREVIEW Many cans believed that Shays Rebellion was proof that the national government needed to be changed . In the next section you will read about the Constitutional Convention . in ( am online Quiz Section Assessment Reviewing Ideas , Terms , and People IE , Critical Thinking Summarize What problems did the categorizing Copy the graphic organizer below . Use United States experience with Spain and it to identify the domestic and international problems Great Britain ?

that arose under the Articles of Confederation . Predict What are some possible results of the growing problems between the United States and Great Britain ?

Why ?

a . Describe What difficulties were involved with interstate commerce ?

Analyze What was the cause of inflation in the new nation , and how could it have been prevented ?

a . Explain How did Massachusetts tax policy affect farmers ?

Evaluate Defend the actions of Daniel Shays and the other rebels . a . Recall Why did Madison and Hamilton call for a Constitutional Convention ?

Analyze How did Shays Rebellion lead to a call for change in the United States ?

Identifying Problems in this section you learned about several problems of the young United States . Were any of those problems made worse by the powers that the Articles of Confederation did or did not give the national government ?

CHAPTER Creating the Constitution If YOU were there You are a merchant in Connecticut in 1787 . You have been a member of your state legislature for several years . This spring , the legislature is choosing delegates to a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation . Delegates will meet in Philadelphia . It means leaving your business in others hands for most of the summer Still , you hope to be chosen . Why would you want to go to the Constitutional Convention ?

BUILDING BACKGROUND It did take long for people to realize that the Articles of Confederation had many weaknesses . By the most political leaders agreed that changes were needed . To make those changes , they called on people with experience in government . Constitutional Convention In February 1787 the Confederation Congress invited each state to send delegates to a convention . The goal of the meeting was to improve the Articles of Confederation . Delegates to the Constitutional Convention met in Independence Hall . SECTION What You Learn . The Constitutional tion met to improve the of the United States . The issue of representation led to the Great Compromise . Regional debate led to the promise . The Constitution created federalism and a balance of power . The Big Idea A new constitution provided a framework for a stronger national government . Key Terms and People Constitutional Convention , 126 James Madison , 126 Virginia Plan , 126 New Jersey Plan , 127 Great Compromise , 127 Compromise , 128 popular sovereignty , 129 federalism , 129 legislative branch , 129 executive branch , 129 judicial branch , 129 checks and balances , 129 Students analyze the political principles underlying the Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government . FORMING A GOVERNMENT

Roger Sherman James Wilson James Madison The Constitutional Convention was held in May 1787 in Philadelphia Independence Hall to improve the Articles of tion . However , delegates would leave with an entirely new Constitution . This decision angered some of the participants . Most delegates were well educated , and many had served in state legislatures or Congress . Benjamin Franklin and James Madison were there . Revolutionary War hero George Washington was elected president of the Convention . Several important voices were absent . John Adams and Thomas Jefferson could not attend . Patrick Henry chose not to attend because he did not want a stronger central government . Women , African Americans , and Native did not take part because they did not yet have the rights of citizens . Summarizing purpose ofthe Constitutional Convention ?

CHAPTER Great Compromise Several issues divided the delegates to the Constitutional Convention . Some members wanted only small changes to the Articles of Confederation , while others wanted to rewrite the Articles completely . Those delegates who wanted major changes to the Articles had different goals . For example , small and large states had ferent ideas about representation , economic concerns such as tariffs , and slavery . In tion , delegates disagreed over how strong to make the national government . Virginia Plan After the delegates had met for four days , Edmund Randolph of Virginia the Virginia Plan . He proposed a new federal constitution that would give sovereignty , or supreme power , to the central government . The legislature would be

James Madison George Washington James Wilson a Alexander Hamilton Benjamin Franklin painting shows the signing of the Constitution on September 17 , 1187 . James Madison , number on the diagram , became known as the Father of the Constitution for his ideas about government and his ability to lead the delegates to agreement Which person did the artist choose to make the focus of this painting ?

Why do you think that is ?

bi up of two houses , or groups of chosen on the basis of state populations . Larger states would thus have more representatives than would smaller states . Delegates from the smaller states believed that it would give too much power to the larger states . New Jersey Plan The smaller states came up with a plan to stop the larger states from getting too much power . New Jersey delegate William presented the or New Jersey Plan , which called for a unicameral , or , legislature . The plan gave each state an equal number of votes , thus an equal Voice , in the federal government . The plan gave the eral government the power to tax citizens in all states , and it allowed the government to regulate commerce . Compromise is Reached After a month of debate , the delegates were unable to agree on how states should be represented . The convention reached a deadlock . Finally , Roger Sherman of Connecticut proposed a compromise plan . The tive branch would have two houses . Each state , regardless of its size , would have two representatives in the Senate , or upper house . This would give each state an equal voice , pleasing the smaller states . In the House of Representatives , or lower house , the number of representatives for each state would be determined by the states population . This pleased the larger states . The agreement to create a legislature became known as the Great Compromise . James Wilson , a great speaker , saw his dream of a strong national ment come true . Contrasting How did the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan differ ?

Virginia Plan Gave more power to national government Bicameral legislature Number in both houses based on population Great Compromise Bicameral legislature Number of representatives based on state populations in lower house Number of representatives equal from each state in upper house governments New Jersey Plan THE IMPACT TODAY All states but one modeled their legislative branches on the federal one , with a House of and a Senate . Nebraska has a unicameral legislature . Gave more power to state Unicameral legislature Number of representatives equal from each state FORMING A GOVERNMENT

Primary Source POINTS OF VIEW Compromise and the Slave Trade The issue of slavery highlighted the growing division between the North and the South . Morris of New York spoke with much emotion against the Compromise . Also , the idea of banning the foreign slave trade prompted southerners such as John Rutledge of South Carolina to defend the practice . If the Convention thinks that North Carolina , South Carolina , and Georgia will ever agree to the plan to prohibit slave trade , unless their right to import slaves be untouched , the expectation is vain useless . quoted in , February 1891 , Rutledge , by Frank Gaylord Cook Compromise The debate over representation also involved regional differences . Southern delegates wanted enslaved Africans to be counted as part of their state populations . This way they would have more representatives , and more power , in Congress . disagreed . They wanted the number of slaves to mine taxes but not representation . To resolve this problem , some delegates thought of a compromise . They wanted to count of the slaves in each state as part of that state population to decide how many representatives a state would have . After much debate , the delegates voted to accept the proposal , called the Compromise . Under this agreement only of a state slave population would count when determining representation . 128 CHAPTER The admission of slaves into the Representation . comes to this that the inhabitant of a state who goes to the coast of Africa and . tears away his fellow creatures from their dearest connections and damns them to the most cruel bondage slavery , shall have more votes in a Government established for of the rights of mankind . Morris , quoted in Founding the Republic , edited by John ANALYSIS SKILL ANALYZING PRIMARY SOURCES Finding Main Ideas How did these two views of slavery differ ! Another major issue was the foreign slave trade . Some of the delegates believed slavery was wrong and wanted the federal ment to ban the slave trade . Others said that the southern states economies needed the slave trade . Many southern delegates said they would leave the Union if the Constitution immediately ended the slave trade . Worried delegates reached another promise , agreeing to end the slave trade in 20 years . The delegates omitted , or left out , the words slavery and slave in the Constitution . They referred instead to free Persons and all other Oliver Ellsworth summed up the view of many delegates . He said , The morality or wisdom of slavery . are belonging to the states Summarizing What mise was reached overthe issue ofthe slave trade !

The Living Constitution Most Convention delegates wanted a strong national government . At the same time , they hoped to protect popular sovereignty , the idea that political authority belongs to the people . Americans had boldly declared this idea in the Declaration of Independence . Federalist Government The delegates also wanted to balance the power of the national government with the powers of the states . Therefore , the delegates created federalism . Federalism is the sharing of power between a central government and the states that make up a country . Under the Constitution , each state must obey the authority of the federal , or national , government . States have control over ment functions not assigned to the federal government . This includes control of local government , education , the chartering of corporations , and the supervision of religious bodies . States also have the power to create and oversee civil and criminal law . States , however , must protect the welfare of their citizens . Legislative Branch Checks and Balances The Constitution also balances the power among three branches , each responsible for separate tasks . The is the legislative branch , or Congress . Congress is responsible for posing and passing laws . It is made up of two houses , as created in the Great Compromise . The Senate has two members from each state . In the House of Representatives each state is represented according to its population . The second branch , the executive branch , includes the president and the departments that help run the government . The tive branch makes sure the law is carried out . The third branch is the judicial branch . The judicial branch is made up of all the national courts . This branch is responsible for ing laws , punishing criminals , and settling between states . The framers of the Constitution created a system of checks and balances , which keeps any branch of government from ing too powerful . For example , Congress has the power to pass bills into law . The president has the power to veto , or reject , laws that Congress passes . However , Congress can override the president veto with a When it first met in 1789 , the House of Representatives had just 65 members . As the nation population grew , more members were added . Today , the number has been set at 435 , to prevent the size of the House from growing unmanageable . Though the numbers of women and minorities in Congress are still unrepresentative of the population as a whole , Congress has become more diverse . Linda and Loretta Sanchez , pictured here , are the first sisters to serve in Congress at the same time . ANALYSIS ANALYZING INFORMATION How is the change in makeup of the legislative branch shown through Linda and Loretta Sanchez ?

FORMING A GOVERNMENT most power held by national government most power held by states three branches of government ' one branch of government legislative branch has many powers legislative branch has few powers executive branch led by president ' no executive branch judicial branch to review the laws no judicial system firm system of checks and balances majority vote . The Supreme Court has the power to review laws passed by Congress and strike down any law that violates the ' no system of checks and balances Summarizing Explain how the system of checks and balances works in the United States . by declaring it unconstitutional . The draft of the Constitution was completed in September 1787 . Only of the 42 delegates who remained refused to sign . The signed Constitution was sent to and then to the states for . The delegates knew that the Constitution was not a perfect document but they believed they had protected the ideas of republicanism . SUMMARY AND PREVIEW The tion balanced power among three branches of the federal government but was only ten after many compromises . In the next tion you will read about Antifederalist and Federalist views of the Constitution , and the struggle to get it approved by the States . go . in am online Quiz Section Assessment Reviewing Ideas , Terms , and People a . Recall Why did the Confederation Congress call Critical Thinking . Analyzing Copy the chart shown . Use it to identify for a Constitutional Convention ?

Elaborate Why do you think it was important that most delegates had served in state legislatures ?

a . Identify What was the Great Compromise ?

Draw Conclusions How did state issues lead to debate over structure of the central government ?

a Explain What was the debate between North and South over counting slave populations ?

Contrast How did delegates views differ on the issue of the foreign slave trade ?

a . Recall Why did the framers of the Constitution create a system of checks and balances ?

Evaluate Did the Constitution resolve the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation ?

Explain your answer . 130 CHAPTER the problems that led to the Great Compromise and the Compromise , what conflicting ideas were proposed , and the eventual solution that created a compromise . Great Compromise Compromise Problem Conflicting Ideas Solution . Thinking about the Constitution Look back through what you just read and make a list of important features of the Constitution . Be sure to note important compromises .

I RAP HY Benjamin Franklin How did one man accomplish so much ?

and publisher of the Pennsylvania Gazette when did he live ?

I 158 Where he lIVe ?

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston but ran away to poo , Philadelphia at age 17 and made it his home . He also crossed the Atlantic Ocean An eight times and visited 10 countries . 52 What did he do ?

What didn he do ! He was a printer , publisher , creator of Performs lam ?

the circulating library , the first president of the University of Pennsylvania , a a inventor , scientist , philosopher , musician , economist , and the Postmaster exits General . In politics he was a leading revolutionary , signer of the in ration of Independence , head of an antislavery , delegate to the Constitutional Convention , 75 . Why is he important ?

Benjamin . 79 lin , son of a candlemaker , became a celebrity Appointed minister in his own time , both in America and in to France Europe . Few people have mastered so many ' fields of knowledge and accomplished so Helps negotiate much . He invented many useful objects , the Treaty of Paris from bifocal glasses to the lightning rod . with Britain One of the oldest founding fathers , lin inspired younger revolutionaries such as Thomas Jefferson . Franklin believed strongly that people should volunteer and be in public service . Finding Main Ideas How did Benjamin Franklin life reflect his belief in public service ?

Poor . or Year of . 42 .

SECTION What You Will Learn . Federalists and engaged in debate over the new Constitution . The Federalist Papers played an important role in the fight for ratification of the Constitution . Ten amendments were added to the Constitution to provide a Bill of Rights to protect citizens . The Big Idea Americans carried on a ous debate before ratifying the Constitution . Key Terms and People , 132 George Mason , 132 Federalists , 132 Federalist Papers , 133 amendments , 135 Bill of Rights , 135 Describe the principles of , dual sovereignty , separation of powers , checks and balances , the nature and purpose of majority rule , and the ways in which the American idea of constitutionalism preserves individual rights . CHAPTER Ratifying the Constitution If YOU were there You are a newspaper editor in Philadelphia . During colonial rule , officials sometimes closed down your newspaper because you had criticized the governor Now you are one of many Americans who want to be sure the new Constitution will guarantee individual rights . You are writing an editorial in your paper explaining what you want What rights would you want the Constitution to protect ?

BUILDING BACKGROUND The new Constitution did not make everyone happy . Even its framers had not made a perfect document . Many people still did notwant a strong national ment They were afraid it would become as tyrannical as the British government had been . Before approving the Constitution , they wanted to be sure that their rights would be protected . Federalists and When the Constitution was made public , a huge debate began among many Americans . who opposed the that the Constitutional Convention should not have created a new government . Others thought the Constitution gave too much power to the central government . For some , the main problem was that the Constitution did not have a section that guaranteed individual rights . Delegate George Mason became an Antifederalist for this reason . Many were small farmers and debtors . However , some were wealthy . Some Revolutionary War heroes were also strong , including Richard Henry Lee , Samuel Adams , and rick Henry . were challenged by many Americans who believed that the United States needed a stronger central government . Federalists , supporters of the Constitution , included James Madison , George Washington , Benjamin Franklin , Alexander Hamilton , and John Jay . Most Federalists believed that the

Alexander Hamilton Federalist Supported the Constitution as an excellent plan for government Defended his views in the Federalist Papers Constitution offered a good balance of power . They thought it was a careful promise between various political views . Many Federalists were wealthy planters , farmers , and lawyers . However , many ers were poor workers and craftspeople . Merchants also supported the Constitution . Federalists and debated whether the new Constitution should be approved by the state legislatures . They made speeches and printed pamphlets advocating their views . The Federalists had to convince people a change in the structure of ment was needed . To do this , they had to overcome people fears that the Constitution would make the government too powerful . Comparing and Contrasting Explain the similarities and differences between the and the Federalists . if I I George Mason Antifederalist Opposed the Constitution Believed the Constitution needed a section guaranteeing individual rights Federalist Papers One of the most important defenses of the Constitution appeared in a series of essays that became known as the Federalist Papers . These essays supporting the Constitution were written anonymously under the name Publius . They were actually written by , Madison , and Jay . The authors of the Federalist Papers tried to reassure Americans that the new federal government would not overpower the states . In Federalist Paper No . 10 , Madison argued that the diversity of the United States would prevent any single group from dominating the government . The Federalist Papers were widely reprinted in newspapers around the country as the debate over the Constitution continued . Finally , they were collected and published in book form in 1788 . FOCUS ON READING Take notes on the chronological order of this section . Which was written first , the Federalist Papers orthe Bill of Rights ?

ACADEMIC VOCABULARY advocate to plead in favor of FORMING A GOVERNMENT Primary Source HISTORIC DOCUMENT Federalist Paper No . I In November , Number 10 in the series called the Federalist Papers was written in support of the Constitution . In it , James Madison describes the way federalism will overcome disagreements within society . I operations of the government . The federal Constitution forms a happy combination . the great . interests , being referred to the national legislature the local and particular to the I state legislatures . The influence of factious leaders may kindle start a flame within their particular states . but will be unable to spread a general conflagration large fire through the other states . Madison , quoted in Documents , A landed interest . a manufacturing interest , a mercantile trading interest , a moneyed interest . with many lesser interests , grow up of necessity in civilized nations , and divide them into different classes , actuated moved by different sentiments and views . The regulation of these various and interests opinions forms the principal task of modern legislation , and involves the spirit of party and faction group in the necessary and ordinary Madison believes that lawmakers are responsible for regulating the many ing concerns that make up society . mi The federal government will handle issues affecting the nation as a whole state and local ments will handle those concerning local issues . edited by Isidore Starr , et al . ANALYZING PRIMARY SOURCES Why does Madison think federalism will prevent disagreement ?

The Constitution needed only states to pass it . However , to establish and preserve national unity , each state needed to ratify it . Every state except Rhode Island held special state conventions that gave citizens the chance to discuss and vote on the Constitution . Paul Revere served on a committee porting . He wrote of the , The proposed . government , is well calculated planned to secure the , protect the property , and guard the rights of the citizens of also spoke out in state conventions . In New York , one citizen said , It appears that the government will fall into the hands of the few and the On December , 1787 , Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution . Throughout the rest of 1787 and the first half of 1788 , eight other states approved it . The CHAPTER Constitution went into effect in June 1788 after New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it . Political leaders across America knew the new government needed the support of and New York , where debate still raged . Virginia had the largest population in the nation . New York was an important center for business and trade . Finally , Madison and other Virginia Federalists convinced Virginia to ratify it in . In New York , Jay and Hamilton said that New York City would break away and join the new government . New York State the Constitution in July . Rhode Island was the last state to ratify it in May 1790 . Drawing Conclusions Why were Virginia and New York important to the ratification of the Constitution ?

Bill of Rights Several states the Constitution only after they were promised that a bill protecting individual rights would be added to it . Many did not think that the would protect personal freedoms . Some Federalists said that the nation did not need a federal bill of rights because the Constitution itself was a bill of rights . It was , they argued , written to protect the liberty of all US . citizens . James Madison wanted to make a bill of rights one of the new govemment Legislators took ideas from the state fying conventions , the Virginia Declaration of Rights , the English Bill of Rights , and the Declaration of Independence to make sure that the abuses listed in the Declaration of Independence would be illegal under the new government . In September 1789 Congress proposed 12 amendments and sent them to the states for . By December 1791 the states had the Bill of Rights of the proposed amendments intended to protect citizens rights . These 10 amendments set a clear ple of how to amend the Constitution to rue IMPACT TODAY . In Congress session , Madison the needs of a Changing The in encouraged the legislators to put together ity of the Constitution has allowed it to , a bill of rights . The rights would then be Survive for more than 200 added to the Constitution as amendments , power over its or changes . In Article of the Summarizing Whyis being Constitution , the founders had provided a ableto Constitution important ?

um way to change the document when necessary in order to the will of the people . The process requires that proposed amendments SUMMARY AND PREVIEW Early must be approved by a ma ments over individual rights resulted in ity of both houses of Congress and then the Bill of Rights . In the next chapter by of the states before you will learn about the structure of taking effect . the Constitution . Section Assessment identify the differing arguments for and against the Constitution . Reviewing Ideas , Terms , and People 333 a . Identify Who were the Federalists and the ?

Draw Conclusions What was the main argument of the against the Constitution ?

a . Recall When did the Constitution go into effect ?

Draw Conclusions Why was it important that all 13 states ratify the Constitution ?

Elaborate Do you think that the Federalist Papers played an essential role in the ratification of the Constitution ?

Explain your answer . a . Recall Why did Congress add the Bill of Rights ?

Explain From where did legislators ideas for the Bill of Rights come ?

Federalist Antifederalist Views . Organizing Your Evidence In this section you learned how the Bill of Rights was an important addition to the Constitution . You now have all your evidence about the difference between the Articles of and the Constitution . Choose two or three of the most important points and prepare to defend the Constitution , just like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison did in the Federalist Papers . Critical Thinking . Contrasting Copy the chart at right and use it to FORMING A GOVERNMENT

Social Studies Skills Critical A a Thinking Participation id Students detect the different historical points of view on historical events . Determine Different Points of View Define the Skill A point of View is a person outlook or attitude . It is the way that he or she looks at a topic or thing . Each person point of view is shaped by his or her background . Because people backgrounds are ferent , their points of view are too . Since a persons point of view shapes his or her opinions , knowing that point of view helps you understand and ate those opinions . Being able to detect differences in point of view is important to understanding in people opinions and actions in history . Learn the Skill When you encounter someone beliefs , opinions , or actions in your study of history , use the following guidelines to determine his or her point of view . Look for information about the background . Ask yourself what factors in the person ground might have his or her ion or action concerning the topic or event . Be aware that sometimes the persons opinion or actions themselves will provide clues to his or her point of view . Benjamin Lincoln led the troops that put down Shays Rebellion in Massachusetts . He was also a state politician and a general during the Revolution . Lincoln offered this explanation of Shays uprising . Among the main causes I ease with which credit was obtained in the time of the Revolution The moment the day arrived when all discovered that things were fast returning to normal , and that the 136 CHAPTER indolent lazy persons and improvident unwise sons would soon experience the evils of their idleness and sloth , many startled panicked and complained of the weight of public taxes and at the cruelty of creditors those to whom money is owed to call for their just dues rightful payment The disaffected unhappy people attempted to stop the courts of law , and to suspend the operations of government . This they hoped to do until an end should thereby be put to public and private Lincoln background as a general , state , and leader against the rebels likely gave him a tive point of view on the revolt . His reference to the rebels as lazy and unwise also provides clues to his attitude . You should weigh such factors when ating the accuracy of his statement . Practice the Skill The following statement about Shays Rebellion came from a Massachusetts farmer . Read it and apply the guidelines to answer the questions . I have labored hard all my have been obliged to do more than my part in the Revolution , been loaded with rates taxes , have been abused by sheriffs and debt collectors I have lost a great deal he great men are going to get all we have , and I think it is time for us to put a stop to I . From what point of view is this person on the revolt ?

What is his opinion of it ?

How does his view of himself differ from Lincoln view of people like him ?

Is this view of the revolt likely to be more accurate than Lincoln view ?

Why or why not ?

Standards Review Visual Summary the main ideas of the chapter . I The Articles of Confederation first government of United States weak union of states weaknesses . led to ' Rebellion Use the visual summary below to help you review The Constitution framework of today ment strengthened national government three branches checks and balances Bill of Rights first 10 amendments ensures basic . rights Reviewing Vocabulary , Terms , and People Match the numbered person or term with the correct lettered . Northwest Territory . William . Bill of Rights checks and balances constitution . Constitutional tariffs Convention 10 . Federalist Papers Compromise agreement that stated that each slave would be counted as of a person when mining representation delegate to the Constitutional Convention who proposed the New Jersey Plan increased prices for goods and services with the reduced value of money area including Illinois , Indiana , Michigan , Ohio , Wisconsin , and part of Minnesota meetings held in Philadelphia at which from the states attempted to improve the existing government series of essays in support of the Constitution set of basic principles that determines the powers and duties of a government system that prevents any branch of government from becoming too powerful taxes on imports or exports the first 10 amendments to the Constitution FORMING A GOVERNMENT

Comprehension and Critical Thinking SECTION I ( Em , II . a . Describe What powers did the Articles of Confederation give the national government ?

Summarize What did the Confederation Congress do to strengthen the United States ?

Evaluate Which document or institution do you think had the greatest on the development of the United States ?

Why ?

SECTION ( Pages ) Em , a . Recall What was Shays Rebellion ?

Draw Conclusions What was the general of foreign nations toward the new ment of the United States ?

Why ?

Evaluate Of the problems experienced by the Confederation Congress , which do you think was the most harmful ?

Why ?

SECTION ( 32 a . Describe In what ways did the Constitution strengthen the central government ?

Explain How did the two compromises reached during the Constitutional Convention satisfy competing groups ?

Elaborate In your opinion were there any weaknesses in the Constitution ?

Explain your answer . SECTION ( Pages ) a . Recall Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution ?

Draw Conclusions Why were some cans opposed to the Constitution ?

Evaluate Would you have supported the or the ?

Explain your answer . CHAPTER Reviewing Themes . Politics What political problems resulted from a weak central government under the Articles of Confederation ?

Politics How did political disagreements lead to important compromises in the creation of the Constitution ?

Reading Skills Understanding Chronological Order Use the Reading Skills taught in this chapter to answer the question below . 11 . Organize the following events chronologically according to the chapter . is published . Constitution is . Articles of Confederation is . Shays Rebellion occurs . Constitutional Convention meets in Philadelphia . Social Studies Skills Determine Different Points of View Use the Social Studies Skills taught in this chapter to answer the tion below . List three differences between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan . 19 . Writing Your Editorial You should start your with a strong statement of your opinion about the Constitution . Then write two sentences about each of your main points of a weakness of the Articles of Confederation or a strength of the Constitution . End your editorial with a call to action Ask the delegates to the Constitutional Convention to ratify the Constitution . Remember that you are trying to convince people to make a very important sion for our persuasive .

Standards Assessment DIRECTIONS Read each question and write the letter of the best response . The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined . Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and . will extend to all objects which . concern the lives , liberties , and properties of the people . The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger those of the State ments in times of peace and Madison , Federalist Paper What point was Madison making about the system of government created by the posed Constitution ?

A The states will continue to be in charge of government of the people . The federal governments main function will be to keep peace among the states . The state governments will have greater power than the new federal government . The most important governing powers will be held by the new federal government . Which term would best describe the newly independent nation in the ?

A strong united troubled confident Under the Articles ot Confederation , the greatest amount ot power was in the hands of the A Congress . American people . national government . states . I The structure of the Congress was ated at the Constitutional Convention by the A Virginia Plan . Great Compromise . New Jersey Plan . Compromise . The nation most widespread problems under the Articles of involved A trade . suffrage . slavery . rebellion . Connecting with Past Learning a The Articles of Confederation created a tem at government most like that ot A the Ottoman Empire . feudal Europe . West African kingdoms . the Tang dynasty in China . In Grade you learned about Enlightenment ideas of government . What European to society were most like those of James Madison ?

A Johannes Johannes Leonardo da Vinci Baron de FORMING A GOVERNMENT