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SOCIAL STUDIES UNIT 7
STANDARD US1.7a Weak Government Under Articles of Confederation What were the basic weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? The Articles of Confederation was a constitution written during the American Revolution to establish the powers of the new national government Articles of Confederation • Provided for a weak national government • 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 • Provided for no executive or judicial branch STANDARD US1.7b Basic Principles of our New Government Established by Constitution What were the basic principles of governments stated in the Constitution of the United States of America and Bill of Rights? The Constitution of the United States of America established a federal system of government based on power shared between the national and state governments. The Bill of Rights provided a written guarantee of individual rights. Terms to know Federal system of government: A system that divides governmental powers between national government and the governments of the states Basic principles of government 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:– Legislative Branch (Congress) makes the laws. Congress is a two-house legislature in which all states are represented equally in the Senate (two Senators per state) and people are represented in the House of Representatives (number of a state’s representatives is based on state’s population). – Judicial Branch (Supreme Court) determines if laws made by Congress are constitutional. – Executive Branch (President) carries out the laws. Checks and balances • Each branch can check the power of the other. • These checks keep any one branch from gaining too much power. 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). STANDARD US1.7c Political Parties Emerge What were the major differences between Hamilton and Jefferson? 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 – Leader of Federalists – Favored strong national government – Favored limits on states’ powers – Favored development of industry on a national scale – Favored a national bank• Thomas Jefferson – Leader of the Democratic Republicans – Favored a weak national government – Supported states’ powers – Favored small business and farmers – Opposed a national bank STANDARD US1.7d Accomplishments of the First Five Presidents What were the major national issues and events faced by the first five presidents? Congress and the first five presidents made decisions establishing a strong government that helped the nation grows in size and power. All of the first five presidents were Virginians except John Adams. Accomplishments during first five presidencies 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. Benjamin Banneker, an African American astronomer and surveyor, helped complete the design for the city.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. Check and Balance Sheet: Legislative Branch •Checks on the Executive oImpeachment oOverride Presidential vetoes oApprove presidential appointments oApproves treaties oPower to declare war oPower to collect taxes oPresident must, from time-to-time, deliver a State of the Union address •Checks on the Judiciary oApproves federal judges oImpeachment power (Trial) oPower to initiate constitutional amendments oPower to alter the size of the Supreme Court Executive Branch •Checks on the Legislature oVeto power oVice President is President of the Senate oCommander in chief of the military oEmergency calling into session of one or both houses of Congress •Checks on the Judiciary oPower to appoint judges oPardon power •Checks on the Executive oVice President and Cabinet can vote that the President is unable to discharge his duties – sends to Congress to start impeachment process Judicial Branch •Checks on the Legislature oJudicial review (Make sure laws are fair) •Checks on the Executive oJudicial review (Make sure laws are fair) oChief Justice sits as President of the Senate during presidential impeachment.
