2. Congress Encouraged State Constitutions

Name: ______Date: ______

The Articles of Confederation Chapter 5- Section 1 1.What form of national government did the Patriots create initially, and what events revealed that a new government was necessary?

2. Congress encouraged State Constitutions

 Although state constitutions varied, each provided for a republic where people voted for their representatives.

 Patriots disagreed over the design of these republics, especially over how much power to give the common people.  States like PA and GA adopted more democratic constitutions, while states like MA and NY chose to adopt more conservative constitutions.

3. Democratic Patriots  weak state governments with most of their power in a popularly elected legislature.  unicameral or one house legislature with either a weak governor or none at all.  a large House of Representatives with small districts so that the people had more control.

4. Conservative Patriots  a governor with broad powers.  bicameral legislature, with two houses.  an upper house or senate made up of wealthy, well-educated gentlemen who would balance a lower house elected by the common people.

5. Who should Vote 6. The Articles had two major achievements

7. The Articles of Confederation  This first national constitution created a loose confederation or league of states in 1777.  Congress drafted the Articles under John Dickinson of Pennsylvania.  Congress’s power was limited to prevent the problems experienced under Britain.  The Articles were created by the Continental Congress

8. The Northwest Territory

9.The Land Ordinance of 1785  Surveyors divided the territory into a N-S and E-W grid to establish hundreds of townships.  Each township was subdivided into one square mile (640 acre) squares to sell at $1 each.  Many farmers couldn’t afford the $1 an acre, and some land speculators got special deals.

10. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787

 Congress established a territorial government and appointed a governor.  Settlers were guaranteed freedom of religion, trial by jury, and rights of common law.  Once there were 5,000 men, an assembly could be elected. The appointed governor retained veto power.  Once there were 60,000 residents, a territory could apply for statehood. 11. The Northwest Ordinance

12. The Articles of Confederation Strengths Weaknesses