Challenges Faced by the New Nation
USI.7

USI.7a ~
What were the basic weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation was a constitution written during the American Revolution
to establish the powers of the new national government.

Basic Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Provided for a weak national government

Provided for no executive
or judicial branch

Gave Congress no power to tax
or regulate commerce
among the states

Provided for no common currency

Gave each state one vote
regardless of size

To find out more about the Articles of Confederation, check out Ben's Guide.

USI.7b ~
What were the basic principles of governments stated in the Constitution of the United States of America ?

Basic Principles of Governments

The Constitution of the United States of America established a federal system of government
based on power shared between the national and state governments.

Term to Know -
federal system of government - a system that divides governmental powers between national government and the governments of the states.

Separation of powers

The structure of the new national government was based on
James Madison's "Virginia Plan",
which called for three separate branches of government.

Branch of Government

Legislative

Executive

Judicial

Who it consists of

Congress

two-house legislature

Senate -
two senators per state
House of Representatives -
number of a state’s representatives is
based on
the state’s population

President

Supreme Court

Powers

makes the laws

carries out laws

decides if law made by Congress
are constitutional

Checks and balances

Each branch can check the power of the other.

These checks keep any one branch from gaining too much power.

To find out more about the Branches of Government, check out Ben's Guide.

USI.7b ~
What were the basic principles of governments stated in the Bill of Rights?

Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights provided a written guarantee of individual rights.

Bill of Rights

· James Madison was the author of the Bill of Rights.

· The first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America provide a written guarantee of individual rights (e.g., freedom of speech, freedom of religion).

To find out more about the Bill of Rights, check out Ben's Guide.

Test Your Knowledge!!!

USI.7a/7b ~ New Nation Pop-ups ~ USI.7a ~ Mini-Quiz ~ USI.7b ~ Separation of Powers

USI.7b ~ Constitution Rags-to-Riches ~ Constitution Quiz

How Well Do You Know the Bill of Rights? ~ How Well Do You Know the Constitution?

USI.7c ~
What were the major differences between Hamilton and Jefferson?

Political Parties

Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson had opposing views
on the role of the national government.
That opposition resulted in the creation of two political parties.

The debate over the role of the national government has continued throughout United States history.

Major Party Differences	Alexander Hamilton	Thomas Jefferson
Leader of the	Federalists	Democratic Republicans
National Government	Favored a strong one	Favored a weak one
States’ Powers	Favored limits	Supported
Economy	Favored development of industry on a national scale	Favored small business and farmers
National Bank	Favored	Opposed

Test Your Knowledge!!!

USI.7c ~ Hamilton vs. Jefferson Pop-ups

Try out some of the activities on SOL Pass! Scroll down to Political Parties Emerge.

USI.7d ~
What were the major national issues and events faced by the first five presidents?

Accomplishments During First Five Presidencies

Congress and the first five presidents made decisions
establishing a strong government that helped the nation grow in size and power.

All of the first five presidents were Virginians except John Adams.

	President	Major Issues and Events
	George Washington	· Federal court system was established. · Political parties grew out of the disagreements between Hamilton and Jefferson over the proper role of the national government. · The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution of the United States of America. · Plans were initiated for development of the national capital in Washington, D.C.
	John Adams	· A two-party system emerged during his administration.
	Thomas Jefferson	· He bought Louisiana from France (Louisiana Purchase). · Lewis and Clark explored this new land west of the Mississippi River.
	James Madison	· The War of l812 caused European nations to gain respect for the United States.
	James Monroe	· He wrote the Monroe Doctrine warning European nations not to interfere in the Western Hemisphere.

Test Your Knowledge!!!

USI.7d ~ First Five Presidents

OVERALL REVIEWS

USI.7 ~ Flashcards and Concentration ~ USI.7 ~ New Nation Quiz

USI.7a and USI.7b ~ USI.7c Review

Graphic Organizer Notes Review