Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

Powers of Congress under the Articles of Confederation

Ask for money

Enter treaties

Raise armies

Shays’ Rebellion

Shays and his men revolted because there was too little paper money as well as too many taxes, which meant they could barely make a living

The government’s struggle to put down this rebellion showed the weakness of the Articles

Virginia Plan

The legislative branch should have representation based on the population of the state

This benefits larger states such as Virginia; later becomes the House of Representatives

New Jersey Plan

The legistlative branch should have one house (unicameral) with equal representation from each state

This benefits smaller states (such as NJ) who don’t have large populations; later became the Senate

Great Compromise

There will be two houses in the legislative branch: one house with representation based on population and one house with equal representation from each state

3/5 Compromise

In matters of representation based o population, slaves would count as 3/5 of a person

Powers of executive branch

Make treaties with 2/3 Senate Consent

Veto legislation

Appoint judges with majority Supreme Court approval

Powers of congress

Declare war

Antifederalists

Opposed the constitution, believed a strong, centralized government was dangerous

Federalists

Supported the Constitution, believed a strong, centralized government was necessary

Federalist Papers

Written in support of the Constitution; authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay