State Constitutions and the Articles of Confederation

The Creation of State Constitutions

  • Massachusetts Constitution of 1780:

    • States that individuals have rights to:

    • Enjoying and defending their lives and liberties.

    • Acquiring, possessing, and protecting property.

    • Seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.

  • Structure of New State Governments:

    • Similar to colonial governments.

    • Power divided between an executive branch and a legislature.

    • Legislature was elected by voters to pass laws.

    • All states except Pennsylvania had a governor to carry out laws.

  • Voting Rights Under State Constitutions:

    • Expanded voting rights compared to colonial times.

    • Requirements to vote:

    • Must be white, male, and over age 21.

    • Must own a certain amount of property or pay a certain amount of taxes.

    • Notable exceptions:

    • Some women in New Jersey had the right to vote temporarily.

    • Free African American men who owned property could vote in some states.

Drafting State Constitutions

  • Purpose of Constitutions:

    • A constitution is a document that outlines:

    • Basic laws.

    • Principles of governance.

    • Organization and processes of government.

    • States primarily drafted constitutions for:

    • Clarifying the rights of all citizens.

    • Limiting the power of government.

  • Influence of Virginia's Constitution:

    • Virginia included a bill of rights:

    • Lists freedoms guaranteed by the government like:

      • Trial by jury.

      • Freedom of religion.

      • Freedom of the press.

    • Other states followed this example, adopting similar bills of rights.

The Articles of Confederation

  • Background:

    • As state governments formed, the Continental Congress worked on a national government plan due to the need for unity during the Revolutionary War.

    • The delegates were hesitant to give power to a central authority since:

    • Americans identified more with their states than as a united nation.

    • Fear of repeating the tyranny experienced under British rule.

  • Adoption:

    • The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

    • Represented a constitution for American governance:

    • Established a loose alliance of 13 independent states.

  • Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles:

    • Strengths:

    • Allowed states to make their own decisions.

    • Prevented centralized government from becoming too powerful.

    • Weaknesses:

    • Resulted in a weak central government.

    • Reflected the existing power dynamics of separate states with Congress having limited authority.

    • Ineffectiveness during the ongoing war, as the colonies grappled with operationalizing a cohesive government.

Significant Events in Context

  • Shays' Rebellion:

    • Events like Shays' Rebellion showcased the weaknesses of the Articles and influenced leaders' calls for change in governance.

Summary of Key Concepts

  • Constitution: A foundational document outlining governmental structures and citizen rights.

  • Bill of Rights: A list of basic freedoms and protections guaranteed to citizens within a constitution.

  • Articles of Confederation: The first constitution for the United States established a decentralized government structure, yielding significant power to individual states, highlighting the initial governance challenges post-independence.