The“VirtuousRepublic”

The“VirtuousRepublic”

Classical view of

a model republic

Classical view of

a model republic

“City on a hill”

[John W

inthrop]

“City on a hill”

[John W

inthrop]Ideal citizen

[Cincinnatus]

Ideal citizen

[Cincinnatus]

1. Govt. gets its authority from the citizens.

2. A selfless, educated citizenry.

3. Elections should be frequent.

4. Govt. should guarantee individual rights & freedoms.

5. Govt.’s power should be limited [checks & balances].

6. The need for a written Constitution.

7. “E Pluribus Unum.” [“Out of many, one”]

8. An important role for women raise good, virtuous citizens.[“Republican Womanhood”].

Enlightenment

Thinking

Enlightenment

Thinking

Daniel Shays

Shays’ Rebellion Springfield, Mass. 1786-87

Federalist vs. Anti-FederalistFederalist vs. Anti-FederalistStrongholds at the End of the Strongholds at the End of the

WarWar

Weaknesses of theWeaknesses of theArticles of Articles of

ConfederationConfederationA unicameral Congress [9 of 13 votes to pass a law].

13 out of 13 to amend.

Representatives were frequently absent.

Could not tax or raise armies.

No executive or judicial branches.

State ConstitutionsState ConstitutionsRepublicanism.

Most had strong governors with veto power.

Most had bicameral legislatures.

Property required for voting.

Some had universal white male suffrage.

Most had bills of rights.

Many had a continuation of state-established religions while others disestablished religion.

Disputed Territorial ClaimsDisputed Territorial ClaimsBetween Spain & the U. S.:Between Spain & the U. S.:

1783-17961783-1796

State Claims to Western State Claims to Western LandsLands

Northwest Ordinance of Northwest Ordinance of 17851785

The United States in The United States in 17871787

James Madison “Father of the Constitution”

One of the authors of The Federalist Papers

Ben Franklin - Champion of Compromise

Articles I, II, III

• Article I - Bicameral Congress – Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, Connecticut Plan(Great Compromise)

• Article II – Executive – electoral college, impeachment, no term limit

• Article III – Judiciary – shortest article, only Supreme Court mentioned

• Slavery – 3/5 clause

Constitutional Convention - Philadelphia 1787

Those in attendance included Madison, Franklin, Washington, Hamilton. Those not attending included Jefferson, Henry, J. Adams.