ch 2 CONSTITUTION(1)
Page 1: Introduction
Title: The PLSC 20003 Constitution Ch. 2 And Its Origins
Page 2: Table of Contents
Roots of the new government
Revolution
Articles of Confederation
Development of the Constitution
Page 3: Historical Context of Democracy
Democracy is not a new idea
Protections for life, liberty, and property; due process.
Existence of British Parliament at the time of the colonies.
Pilgrims' governance agreement.
Colonial Governance
Each colony had its own governing bodies.
Important Documents
Magna Carta (1215): Established the principle of no taxation without representation.
English Bill of Rights (1689): Limited the powers of the monarchy.
Mayflower Compact (1620): Early form of social contract.
Colonial Legislatures: Evolution of self-governance.
Page 4: Prelude to Revolution
Factors leading to revolution:
Proclamation of 1763: Limited westward expansion.
Stamp Act/Townsend Act: Taxation without representation.
Boston Massacre: Escalation of tensions.
Boston Tea Party: Protest against British taxation.
Coercive Acts: Retaliatory measures by Britain.
Page 5: Continental Congresses
October 1774: First Continental Congress; declaration of grievances against Britain.
May 1775: Second Continental Congress; declaration of causes for independence.
July 1776: Adoption of the Declaration of Independence; formal statement of separation.
Page 6: Articles of Confederation
Concept: The people hold the power and elect representatives; established a republic.
Congress (1777): Formed as the governing body.
States (1781): Maryland ultimately ratified.
Structure: Independent self-governing states in a weak confederation.
Page 7: Structure of Government
Central Government:
No executive (president) or judiciary.
Limited powers: can declare war, send ambassadors, make treaties, coin currency, and settle disputes.
State Governments:
Each state had its own government with legislatures.
States appointed representatives to Congress; militia support.
Each state had one vote.
Page 8: Limitations of Central Government
Inability to:
Raise funds (tax).
Pay debts or get loans.
Protect ships from pirates.
Impose tariffs or regulate interstate commerce.
Maintain a military, highlighted by Shays' Rebellion.
State Governments:
Coined their own money; competing rather than cooperating.
Page 9: Shays' Rebellion
Causes:
Unfair taxation, disenfranchisement, unjust imprisonment.
Impact: Highlighted the weaknesses of the federal government.
Page 10: Formation of the Constitution
The need for a stronger federal government became evident.
Page 11: Cultural Differences
Regional Differences:
Northerners: More families, religious structure, Mayflower Compact settlers.
Southerners: Explorers motivated to make their fortune, often more individualistic.
Page 12: Points of Contention
Slavery vs. Abolition: Economic and moral divides raised significant debate.
Page 13: Plans for Government
Virginia Plan:
Two-house legislature based on population.
Representatives elected by state voters, with the second house being chosen by the first.
New Jersey Plan:
Maintained a one-house Congress with equal representation from each state.
Page 14: Law Enforcement vs. Individual Rights
Police Powers: Balancing individual liberty with social stability.
Page 15: Compromises in the Constitutional Convention
Necessary to balance interests of different states and groups.
Page 16: Slavery Compromises
For representation and taxation purposes:
Three-Fifths compromise proposed (not implemented).
Slave trade:
Foreign trade could not be banned before 1808; domestic trade unrestricted.
Obligations for states to return fleeing slaves, no refuge.
Page 17: Representation Compromise
New Jersey Plan:
Senate representation equal for each state; elected by state legislatures.
Virginia Plan:
House of Representatives based on population, elected by popular vote.
Page 18: Separation of Powers
Three branches established:
Executive: President as commander-in-chief.
Judicial: Supreme Court hears federal cases; final court of appeal.
Legislative: Power to legislate and declare war; Congress may impeach the president.
Page 19: Division of Powers
Federal Powers (Enumerated):
Taxation, currency, military, citizenship, commerce with other nations.
State Powers (Reserved):
Laws regarding local issues, welfare, education, raising funds, justice.
Page 20: Constitutional Clauses
Supremacy Clause: Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law.
Necessary and Proper Clause: Grants Congress power to pass necessary laws.
Page 21: Ratification Process
9 out of 13 conventions: Need for state ratification; not by state legislatures.
Some additions needed for the Constitution.
Page 22: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
Federalists:
Supporters of the Constitution; typically elite, wealthy, educated.
Anti-Federalists:
Advocated for strong state powers; feared loss of representation and lack of political balance.
Page 23: Ratification Compromises
Federalist Compromise:
Inclusion of a Bill of Rights; Federal courts papers circulated.
Page 24: Ratification Timeline
Key dates for ratification by the states from December 1787 to May 1790; outline of sequential approvals.
Page 25: The Amendment Process
Proposal: Requires 2/3 majority in House and Senate or request by 2/3 of the states for a convention.
Ratification: Needs 3/4 of state legislatures or conventions; simple yes/no vote without changes.
Page 26: Amendments Overview
Total of 27 amendments proposed:
Bill of Rights (10), governmental structure clarifications (6), rights expansions post-Civil War (3), voting rights expansions (2), significant repeals (2).
Page 27: Conclusion
Acknowledgment of the audience.
Page 28: Acknowledgments
Credits for the presentation template and image sources.