Anchor Dates

1492: Columbus sailed the ocean blue

1607: Founding of Jamestown Virginia–the first permanent British settlement in North
America
1754: Start of the French and Indian War
1776: The Declaration of Independence
1803: The Louisiana Purchase
1848: End of the Mexican–American War
1865: End of the Civil War
1898: The Spanish–American War
1945: End of World War 2
1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall

Key Events Leading to Independence

Context

● Colonial Grievances: Taxation without representation (Stamp Act, Townshend Acts).

● Enlightenment Ideas: Influenced thoughts on rights and governance.

Key Events

1. First Continental Congress (1774): Organized colonial resistance.

2. Second Continental Congress (1775): Established Continental Army, appointed George
Washington.
3. Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776): Authored by Thomas Jefferson; asserted
natural rights and independence.
4. Key Battles:
○ Lexington and Concord (April 1775): Start of the war.
○ Saratoga (1777): Turning point; French alliance secured.
○ Yorktown (1781): British surrender; decisive victory.

Concepts

● Natural Rights: Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.

● Popular Sovereignty: Government by consent of the governed.
● Taxation Without Representation: Core grievance leading to independence.

Outcomes

1. Treaty of Paris (1783): Recognized American independence.

2. New Government: Articles of Confederation (weak); led to the U.S. Constitution (1787).
3. Global Impact: Inspired other independence movements; raised questions about rights and
equality.
 ● background
○ British taxation
○ lack of representation in Parliament
○ enlightenment ideas
Navigation Acts Sugar Act Stamp Act Intolerable Acts

time (1651) (1764) (1765) (1774)

background -laws to control the -Aimed at -printed tax - a series of

trads reducing the tax -Colonists were punitive
-requiring that all the on molasses but required to measures aimed
manufacturing good enforcing stricter purchase special at punishing the
that go to colonies measures to stamped paper for American
have to carry buy combat a wide range of colonies,
English ships smuggling. printed materials, particularly
-require that all the including Massachusetts,
foreigner products to -tax on sugar, newspapers, legal for the Boston
pass through England wine, indigal documents, Tea Party.
to tax which the type of licenses, and
die in molasses playing cards.
Enforced from the Each item had to
mid-17th century, -molasses is have a stamp
these acts were important for showing that the
designed to regulate colonies in their tax had been
colonial trade and trade, this act paid.
ensure that it benefited almost stopped
Britain. their business

Enlish Required that certain Lowered the tax Required -closing Boston
actions goods (like tobacco on molasses but colonists to Harbor,
and sugar) be shipped increased purchase special -restricting local
only on British ships enforcement of stamped paper for governance,
and sold primarily to customs printed materials -allowing British
Britain, restricting regulations and (newspapers, soldiers to be
colonial trade with introduced new legal documents, housed in private
other nations. duties on etc.), imposing a homes.
imported goods. direct tax.

Colonial Many colonists Colonists Widespread Colonists viewed

responses resented the protested against protests erupted, these acts as
restrictions and what they saw as leading to the extreme
engaged in smuggling taxation without formation of the violations of their
to bypass the acts. representation Sons of Liberty. rights. They
 Over time, opposition and argued The act was met organized the
grew, leading to calls against the with boycotts of First Continental
for greater autonomy. increased British goods and Congress to
enforcement. the rallying cry of coordinate
“No taxation resistance and
without unify the colonies
representation. against British
rule.

Colonization 1 – 1491

Module 1, Lesson 1: Societies of the Americas to 1492

Native Americans of the Southwest

● Environment: Arid, desert landscapes.

● Technologies:
○ Irrigation Canals: Used for agriculture in dry areas.
○ Pottery: Functional and artistic, used for storage and cooking.
○ Pueblos: Multi-story adobe dwellings, often communal.

Native Americans of the Great Plains

● Environment: Grasslands; home to large herds of American bison.

● Technologies:
○ Tepees: Portable, cone-shaped tents made from buffalo hides and wooden poles;
suited for nomadic life.

Native Americans of the Northeast

● Environment: Forests, freshwater rivers, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean.
● Technologies:
○ Dugout Canoes: Hollowed-out tree trunks used for transportation on water.
○ Longhouses: Multi-family homes made of wood and bark, accommodating several
related families.
○ Three Sisters Companion Planting: Agricultural technique involving corn, beans,
and squash planted together for mutual benefit.

Regions of the 13 Colonies

● New England: Rocky soil, harsh winters, focused on mixed economies (fishing,
shipbuilding).
● Middle Colonies: Fertile land, diverse economies (cereal crops, iron manufacturing).
● Southern Colonies: Fertile soil, long growing seasons; dominated by agriculture (tobacco,
rice, indigo).

Labor Systems

● Indentured Servants: Worked for a period in exchange for passage to America.

 ● African Slavery: Became predominant in Southern colonies, particularly on plantations.

feature (depend on the time arrangement)

New England Middle Colonies South Colonies Chesapeake

Soil Rocky

Weather harsher, loner

winter

growing seasons longer

trees v v

Iron v

slavery v

Tobacco v

crops v v

cotton, indigo, v
rice
● The New England and Middle colonies have mix economies
→ produce cereal crops, wheat, barley, rye, corn, ship building, iron producing

● The Chesapeake Colonies grew Tobacco

● Southern and British west Indies produce→ rice, indigo, and cotton
● slavery was widespread in the Southern colonies

Regions
Northeast Great Plains Southwest

enviroment dry, hot, and Aric Flat, not a lot of Forests

trees, american bison

agriculture Three sisters (rich Crop Cultivation Irrigation Canals (dig

water)(beens, corns, adn wholes and transport water by
flowers→ they can canals)
provide different nutrient
for each other)

technology ● Dugout canoes Tepees (they need to ● Pottery

 (wood boatts) move around, built ● Pueblos (the houses,
● Longhouses with animal skin, and city that they built
(suiable for their easy to movie and by stone and woods)
changing seasons) keep the heat)

Colonization 2 – Worldviews

Module 1, Lesson 3: European Societies Around 1492

Native American Worldviews

● The Great Spirit: Central to many Native American beliefs; a supreme being or force.
● Animism: The belief that spirits inhabit all living things and the natural world; emphasizes a
deep connection to nature.

Puritans

● Background: English Protestants seeking to "purify" the Church of England from Catholic
practices.
● Beliefs: Emphasized a strict moral code, community, and a personal relationship with God.
● Impact: Played a significant role in early colonial settlements in New England.

Colonization 3 – Land Use

Native American vs. European Views

● Land Ownership:
○ Native Americans: Viewed land as communal; land was for everyone and could not
be "owned" in the European sense.
○ Europeans: Believed in individual ownership; land as a commodity to be bought,
sold, and cultivated.
● Respect for Nature:
○ Native Americans: Practices rooted in animism; viewed nature as sacred and
interconnected.
○ Europeans: Often exploited land for agriculture and resource extraction, prioritizing
profit over preservation.
Colonization 4 – The Columbian Exchange

Overview

● Definition: The Columbian Exchange refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals,
culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas and the
Old World following Columbus's voyages.

Key Points

● Introduced Crops:
○ To Europe: Potatoes, tomatoes, maize, and tobacco.
○ To the Americas: Wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
● Animals:
○ To the Americas: Horses, cattle, pigs, and sheep transformed Native American
lifestyles.
● Impact on Populations:
○ Diseases: European diseases (e.g., smallpox) decimated Native populations due to
lack of immunity.
○ Cultural Exchange: Shared knowledge and practices, but also conflict and
exploitation.

Colonization 6 – Push/Pull Factors

Overview

● Push Factors: Reasons that drove people away from their home countries.
○ Religious Persecution: Puritans, Pilgrims, and Quakers sought religious freedom.
○ Economic Hardship: Lack of opportunities in Europe, including land and jobs.
● Pull Factors: Attractiveness of the New World.
○ Opportunity and Adventure: Promise of land and wealth.
○ Headright System: Offering land to settlers, incentivizing immigration.

Colonization 7 – Resistance

Forced Migration

● Trail of Tears: Forced relocation of Native Americans from their ancestral lands, resulting in
severe hardship and loss of life.
● Middle Passage: The horrific transatlantic journey enslaved Africans endured, characterized
by brutal conditions and high mortality rates.

Armed Resistance
 ● Metacom’s War (King Philip’s War): Armed conflict in 1675 between New England
colonists and Native American tribes led by Metacom, resulting in significant casualties and
disruption of Native societies.
● Stono Rebellion (1739): A slave uprising in South Carolina; slaves attempted to escape to
Florida, leading to violent confrontations and stricter slave codes.

Forced Assimilation

● Code of Indian Offenses: Laws aimed at regulating Native American behavior and
promoting assimilation into Euro-American culture.
● American Indian Religious Freedom Act: Aimed to protect Native American religious
practices but often fell short.
● Indian Boarding Schools: Institutions like the Carlisle Indian Industrial School aimed to
assimilate Native American children into Euro-American culture, often with harsh methods.
○ Motto: “Kill the Indian in him and save the man,” highlighting the oppressive nature
of these schools.
● Forced Cultural Assimilation: Plantation owners purchased enslaved Africans from diverse
ethnic backgrounds to disrupt their cultural identities.

Cultural Preservation

● African American Music: Music as a means of cultural expression and resistance, evolving
from African traditions.
● Sun Dance and Drum Circles: Native American cultural practices maintained despite
assimilation pressures.

Peaceful Protest

● Civil Rights Movement: Advocacy for equal rights and justice for African Americans,
drawing parallels to earlier resistance.
● Dakota Access Pipeline Protests: Indigenous-led movements to protect land and water rights
against pipeline construction.

Focus Group: Rohingya People

● Context: Ethnic minority in Myanmar facing persecution and statelessness.

● Resistance:
○ Armed Groups: Formation of armed resistance groups in response to violence.
○ International Advocacy: Efforts to bring global attention to human rights abuses.
○ Cultural Preservation: Maintaining language and traditions despite displacement.

Colonization 8 – The French

Road to Revolution 1 – Change Over Time

Key Topics
 ● French and Indian War: Conflict between Britain and France in North America; increased
British debt led to taxing the colonies.
● Navigation Acts: Laws regulating colonial trade, enforcing mercantilism.
● Salutary Neglect: British lax enforcement of trade laws, leading to smuggling and colonial
autonomy.

Key Acts

● Sugar Act (1764): Tax on sugar and molasses; increased enforcement against smuggling.
● Molasses Act: Previous act that imposed taxes but was largely ignored.
● Vice Admiralty Courts: Courts established to try smuggling cases without juries, perceived
as unfair.
● Stamp Act (1765):
○ First internal tax; sparked colonial outrage with the slogan “No taxation without
representation.”
○ Stamp Act Congress: Colonial assembly opposing the act, leading to greater unity.
○ Sons of Liberty: Groups formed to resist British policies through protests.
● Intolerable Acts (1774): Punitive laws aimed at Massachusetts, removing self-governance.
● Tea Act (1773): Allowed British tea companies to sell directly to colonies, leading to the
Boston Tea Party.

Road to Revolution 2 – The Declaration of Independence

● Influence of the Enlightenment:

○ John Locke: Concepts of natural rights and the right of revolution influenced
revolutionary thought.
● Structure of the Declaration:
○ Preamble: Asserts natural rights and the right to overthrow an unjust government.
○ 27 Grievances: Lists colonial complaints against King George III.

Road to Revolution 3 – Recognizing Independence

● Critical Thinking: Considerations around the sovereignty of Taiwan and other nations
highlight ongoing debates about recognition and legitimacy in international relations.

recognizing independence

questions:

● 1776: why did the 13 colonies declare independence?

○ Taxation without Representation
○ Restrictive Laws
○ Desire for Self-Governance
○ Enlightenment Ideals
● 1777: why did Morocco recognize American sovereignty?
○ Strategic Trade Interests
○ Diplomatic Relations
○ Countering British Influence
● 1778: why did France recognize American sovereignty?
 ○ Victory at Saratoga
○ Undermining Britain
○ Military Alliance
● 1782: why did the Netherlands recognize American sovereignty?
○ Trade Relations
○ Countering British Power
○ Shifts in International Relations
● 1783: why did Britain and everybody else recognize American sovereignty?
○ Treaty of Paris
○ Military Losses
○ Changing Geopolitical Landscape

● Why does Spain recognize Kosovo independence?

○ Concern over its own separatist movements (e.g., Catalonia, Basque Country).
○ Fear of setting a precedent that could encourage similar claims within Spain.
● Why doesn't China recognize Kosovo independence?
○ Adherence to the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
○ Concern about supporting separatist movements in regions like Tibet and Taiwan.
● Why do some countries not recognize Palestinian sovereignty?
○ Political alliances with Israel.
○ Ongoing territorial disputes and conflict.
○ Geopolitical interests, particularly relationships with the U.S. and Western allies.
● Why did most countries not recognize Luhansk and Donetsk independence?
○ These regions are considered part of Ukraine under international law.
○ Ongoing conflict with Ukraine complicates recognition.
○ Many nations support Ukraine's territorial integrity in light of Russian aggression.
● What does the Hawaiian sovereignty movement claim?
○ Restoration of the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom, overthrown in 1893.
○ Emphasis on the rights of Native Hawaiians to self-determination and governance.
○ Legal and historical claims regarding the illegal overthrow and annexation.
● Why did countries recognize America?
○ reade/money
■ Morocco
■ The Dutch
○ The enemy of my enemies are my friends
■ France
■ Netherlands
○ Won the wars
The Constitution- Historical Context
1. Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775)
○ Significance: Marked the start of the American Revolutionary War.
○ Key Events: "The shot heard 'round the world"; colonial militia fought British troops.
○ Outcome: Inspired colonial resistance and mobilized support for independence.
○ Causes:
i. Growing tensions between American colonists and British authorities over
taxation and lack of representation.
ii. British attempts to seize colonial arms and arrest revolutionary leaders.
○ Effects:
i. Sparked widespread colonial resistance
ii. the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
iii. Led to the formation of the Continental Army.
○ Changes:
i. Shifted public opinion towards supporting independence from Britain.
ii. Established the militia as a viable military force.
2. Declaration of Independence (1776)
○ Significance: Formal declaration of the colonies' break from Britain.
○ Key Ideas: Asserts natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) and the right to
revolt against tyranny.
○ Authors: Primarily written by Thomas Jefferson.
○ Causes:
i. Colonists’ frustration with British rule, particularly over taxes and lack of
political representation.
ii. Influence of Enlightenment ideas about natural rights and government.
○ Effects:
i. Formalized the colonies' break from Britain, inspiring other nations to pursue
independence.
ii. Created a framework for the future U.S. government based on the principles
of democracy and individual rights.
○ Changes:
i. Changed the perception of the colonies from subjects of Britain to an
independent nation.
ii. Established a commitment to the ideals of liberty and equality.
3. Articles of Confederation (1781)
○ Significance: First constitution of the United States; established a weak federal
government.
○ Key Features: No executive branch, no power to tax, and required unanimous consent
for amendments.
○ Causes:
i. Desire for a unified government to manage war efforts and relationships
among states.
ii. Fear of a strong central government, leading to a preference for state
sovereignty.
○ Effects:
 i. Created a loose confederation that proved ineffective in governing the nation.
ii. Highlighted the need for a stronger central authority due to issues like
economic instability and inability to collect taxes.
○ Changes:
i. Revealed the inadequacies of the Articles, leading to the Constitutional
Convention.
ii. Set the stage for the development of a more balanced federal government.
4. Treaty of Paris (1783)
○ Significance: Officially ended the Revolutionary War.
○ Key Terms: Recognized American independence, established borders from the
Atlantic to the Mississippi River.
○ Impact: Enabled westward expansion and diplomatic recognition of the United States.
○ Causes:
i. The conclusion of the Revolutionary War and the desire for formal
recognition of U.S. independence.
ii. Military victories by American forces and French support.
○ Effects:
i. Recognized U.S. sovereignty and established borders for the new nation.
ii. Provided legitimacy and international recognition of the United States.
○ Changes:
i. Enabled westward expansion and settlement in newly acquired territories.
ii. Created a foundation for future diplomatic relations with other countries.
5. Shays's Rebellion (1786-1787)
○ Significance: Highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and
economic distress among farmers.
○ Key Events: Armed uprising led by Daniel Shays against tax and debt policies.
○ Causes:
i. Economic hardships faced by farmers after the Revolutionary War, including
high taxes and debt.
ii. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation in addressing economic issues.
○ Effects:
i. Increased awareness of the need for a stronger federal government.
ii. Led to discussions and ultimately the Constitutional Convention.
○ Changes:
i. Highlighted the dangers of mob rule and the inadequacies of state
governments.
ii. Prompted reforms in government and the drafting of the Constitution.
6. Northwest Ordinance (1787)
○ Significance: Established a method for admitting new states and set a precedent for
westward expansion.
○ Key Provisions:
i. Cerease a process for admitting new states into the union.
ii. outlaws slavery in the Northwest Territory
iii. Guaranteed religious freedom and other civil liberties (basic rights)
iv. required new states to provide public education
○ Causes:
i. Need for an organized method to settle and govern the Northwest Territory.
 ii. Desire to promote orderly expansion and prevent conflict with Native
Americans.
○ Effects:
i. Established guidelines for the admission of new states and ensured rights for
settlers.
ii. Set a precedent for future territorial governance.
○ Changes:
i. Encouraged westward expansion and the settlement of new territories.
ii. Incorporated principles of democracy and civil rights into the governance of
new states.
7. Constitutional Convention (1787)
○ Significance: Meeting to address the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation.
○ Key Figures: Notable delegates included George Washington, James Madison, and
Benjamin Franklin.
○ Causes:
i. Ineffectiveness of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger
federal government.
ii. Economic turmoil and civil unrest highlighted the inadequacies of existing
governance.
○ Effects:
i. Resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, establishing a framework for
the federal government.
ii. Created a system of checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power.
○ Changes:
i. Shifted the balance of power from states to a more centralized federal
government.
ii. Instituted a lasting constitutional framework that governs the U.S. today.
8. Ratification of the Constitution (1788)
○ Significance: The Constitution became the supreme law of the land.
○ Key Process: Required ratification by nine states; included Federalist and
Anti-Federalist debates.
○ Causes:
i. The need for a stronger government to address the issues faced under the
Articles of Confederation.
ii. Federalist push for a more powerful national government contrasted with
Anti-Federalist concerns about individual rights.
○ Effects:
i. The Constitution became the supreme law of the land.
ii. Led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights to address concerns over individual
liberties.
○ Changes:
i. Established a stronger federal government with enumerated powers.
ii. Set the stage for future amendments and adaptations of the Constitution.
9. Election of George Washington (1789)
○ Significance: First presidential election in the United States.
○ Key Outcome: Washington was unanimously elected, setting important precedents for
the presidency.
○ Causes:
 i. The desire for a unifying leader after the Revolution and the establishment of
a new government.
ii. Washington's reputation as a military leader and statesman made him the
ideal candidate.
○ Effects:
i. Established key precedents for the presidency, including a two-term limit and
the formation of a cabinet.
ii. Instilled confidence in the new government and set a tone for future
leadership.
○ Changes:
i. Solidified the role of the presidency within the framework of the federal
government.
ii. Influenced the development of political parties and the nature of American
politics.

-
Module 4 – The U.S. Constitution

The Constitution 1 – Historical Context

Order of Events

● Shays's Rebellion: A 1786-1787 uprising in Massachusetts by farmers protesting economic

injustices and the government’s lack of response. It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles
of Confederation.
● Northwest Ordinance (1787): Established a framework for settling the Northwest Territory
and outlined how new states could be admitted to the Union.
○ significant: prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory,

Significance of Shays’s Rebellion

● Demonstrated the inability of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation to
maintain order and address economic grievances.
● Contributed to the call for a Constitutional Convention to address the weaknesses in the
government.

The Constitution 2- Slavery in the Constitution

● big state vs. small state
→ The big issue that the delegates faced was giving fair representation to both large and small states.
○ upper house
■ every state have equal vote
○ lower house
■ the number of the representation is depend on the population of each
state
● Slavery related issues
○ representation based on population raised the question of whether slaves should be
counted as people.
■ northern delegates: less slaves→ don't want the slaves count as people
■ southern delegates: own more slaves→ want the slaves count as people
→ but they don’t want to be taxed
● Three-Fifths Compromise: called for three-fifths of the state's slaves to be counted as
population for both representation and taxation.
→ solved the political issue, but not the economy issue of slavery

Creating a new government

● division of power: the new system of gv. ws a form of federalism that divided power between
the national gv. and state governments.
○ share power as the right to tax, to borrow money, and to pay debts. They also share
the power to establish courts.
● separation of powers:
○ three branches of government
■ legislative branch: to make laws
 ■ executive branch: to carry out laws
■ judicial branch: to interpret laws
○ those ideas are from Enlightenment movement– Montesquieu of France (democracy
in which power would be divided to avoid tyranny)
● checks and balances:
○ to prevent one branch from dominating the other.
● The Electoral College
○ an indirect system for electing the President and Vice President of the United States.
○ They vote for a group of people called electors. Each state has a certain number of
electors based on its population.
○ cause
■ upper class don’t trust lower classes
■ there was a fear that the popular vote would be divided among many religious
candidates bc. there were no national political parties and travel and
communication were limited
● the great compromise
○ large states: large population→ large vote
○ small states: 1 vote for 1 state
● the ⅗ compromise
○ Southern: increase representation, eco interest
○ Northern: moral opposition, fair representation
● The Bill of Rights
○ antifederalist: need for a bill of rights, protection of state powers (farmers)
○ federalist: limited gv. power, electoral accountability (upper class)

1. No Outright Ban: The Constitution did not include a provision to outlaw slavery. Instead, it
left the issue largely up to individual states, which led to ongoing conflicts over the practice.
2. Slave Trade Clause:
○ Text: Constitution states that Congress could not prohibit the importation of slaves
until 1808.
○ Context: This compromise allowed Southern states to continue the transatlantic slave
trade for twenty more years, which was crucial for their economy and agriculture.
○ Impact: After 1808, Congress did indeed ban the importation of slaves, but by then,
the domestic slave trade was already well-established.
2. Fugitive Slave Clause:
○ Text: escaped slaves who fled to free states must be returned to their owners.
○ Context: This clause aimed to appease Southern states, which feared losing their
"property" as slaves were legally considered.
○ Implementation: The clause led to conflicts in free states, where many were opposed
to the return of escaped slaves, and contributed to the development of laws such as
the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which mandated the return of runaway slaves and
imposed penalties on those who helped them.

Significance of the Compromises

 ● Political Necessity: The inclusion of these clauses was largely a political necessity to ensure
the participation of Southern states in the new federal government. Many delegates believed
that compromising on slavery was essential to achieving unity and ratification.
● Long-term Consequences: These decisions laid the groundwork for future tensions between
free and slave states, contributing to the sectional divide that ultimately led to the Civil War.

Broader Context

● Debate and Division: The issue of slavery sparked intense debate among delegates, with
some advocating for its abolition and others staunchly defending it. The compromises made
during the Constitutional Convention reflect the political realities of the time, where the need
for a functioning government often took precedence over moral considerations.
● Legacy: The failure to resolve the issue of slavery at the Constitutional Convention had
lasting implications for American society, politics, and law, leading to conflicts that would
erupt in the 19th century and beyond.

The Constitution 3 – Ratifying the Constitution

● Federalists vs. Antifederalists

Federalists Anti-Federalists

Supported the Constitution and a strong Opposed the Constitution, wanting stronger state
national government. governments.

Wanted a strong central government for Wanted a weaker national government.

order and unity.

Though a Bill of Rights wasn't needed. Believed a Bill of Rights was necessary to protect
people's rights.

Supported a strong economy and national Worried that a strong central government would
bank. help the rich more.

Backed by wealthy merchants and Supported by farmers and people cautious of strong
landowners. government power.

Electoral College

● A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the president and vice president.
● Each state has a number of electors equal to its total number of Senators and Representatives
in Congress.
 ● The Bill of Rights:
○ Two Sides: Federalists wanted a strong central government; Anti-Federalists wanted
protections for individual liberties.
○ Compromise: The promise of adding a Bill of Rights led to the ratification of the
Constitution.
● Ratification
○ refers to the formal approval process for the U.S. Constitution and its amendments.

The Constitution 4 – Comparison: The Articles of Confederation & The Constitution

League of Friendship

● The Articles of Confederation established a loose alliance of states rather than a strong federal
government.

Two Successes of the Articles of Confederation:

1. Winning the American Revolutionary War: The Articles provided a framework for the
states to unite against Britain.
2. Creating the Northwest Ordinance: Set up a process for territories to become states and
established principles for governing new lands.

What the Northwest Ordinance Did

● Established a system for admitting new states to the Union and provided for the orderly
development of the Northwest Territory.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation:

● No power to tax or regulate commerce.

● Required unanimous consent to amend, making changes difficult.
● Lack of a strong central authority to enforce laws.

The Constitution 5 – Crash Course US Government

Three Branches of U.S. Government

1. Legislative: Makes laws (Congress – House of Representatives and Senate).

2. Executive: Enforces laws (President and federal agencies).
3. Judicial: Interprets laws (Supreme Court and lower courts).

Separation of Powers

● Divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from
exercising too much power.

Checks and Balances

 ● Each branch has measures to limit the powers of the other branches.
○ Examples:
■ Legislative can override a presidential veto.
■ Executive appoints judges but requires Senate approval.
■ Judicial can declare laws unconstitutional.

The Constitution 6 – Federalists, Anti-Federalists, and The Bill of Rights

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

● Federalists: Supported a strong central government and the Constitution (e.g., Alexander
Hamilton, James Madison).
● Anti-Federalists: Opposed the Constitution, fearing it gave too much power to the federal
government and lacked protections for individual rights (e.g., Patrick Henry).

The Bill of Rights

● The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to protect individual liberties and address
Anti-Federalist concerns.

Key Amendments to Know:

● First Amendment: Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

● Fourth Amendment: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
● Fifth Amendment: Right to due process and protection against self-incrimination.