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Period: to
From the Declaration to the Bill of Rights
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Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War begins
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Articles of Confederation
We needed a government! Afraid that small states might be overpowered by large states, and too strong of a National government might create a government similar to the British rule we just declared independence from, a loose government was written -
Revolutionary War Ends
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Shay's Rebellion
The group of 1,000 angry farmers who shut down the courts in Massachusetts convinced the founders that a stronger government was necessary. August through February 1787 -
Philadelphia Convention May - Sept 17 1787
The Articles of Confederation could not be fixed! The FRAMERS decided to start all over and wrote the Constitution. They kept all of their meetings secret SO THEY COULD SPEAK FREELY. -
The Great Compromise
The SENATE would have 2 representatives from each state, and the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES would have representation based on population. -
The Constitution
Three Branches of Government:
Legislative Branch MAKES THE LAWS
Executive Branch ENFORCES AND CARRIES OUT THE LAWS
Judicial Branch INTERPRETS THE LAWS AND THE CONSTITUTION -
THE BILL OF RIGHTS
Ther first ten amendments to the Constitution were required TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE.
1. freedom of expression
2. freedom of religion
3. promise of due process
4. freedom from illegal search and seizure
5. freedom from slavery
6. freedom from discrimination in voting (women, African Americans, 18 year olds)