Creating a Constitution for Our Young Nation
Kristina Porter
History 111-3942
Professor Fred S. Standley
May 05, 2014
Mid Term Exam
The process for creating a Constitution for our young nation
After winning the American Revolution, America was skeptical about establishing a centralized government. They feared that this would only create more problems for them. This is why the first U.S. Constitution, The Articles of Confederation, created a decentralized new government, establishing the U.S. as a confederation of states. In other words, they were “independent” yet still bound together by congress.
Over time, The Articles of Confederation were ineffective; leaving congress powerless over the United States and unable to control taxes. Not long after, delegates from practically all states met in 1787 to revise these Articles and instead came up with a new plan. This plan would implement desired changes from all delegates which became “The Constitution”.
The new Constitution developed a new government in which would be divided into three branches:
1) Legislative - Congress
2) Executive – President
3) Judicial – Headed by Supreme Court
Shortly following was a huge debate which ended on a compromise for a two house congress, including an:
1) Upper House – The Senate
This would have equal representation for each state.
2) Lower House – House of Representatives Representation based on population. Congress was then able to levy taxes, and control interstate commerce.
Proclamation line of 1763
Besides regulating colonial expansion, the Proclamation of 1763 dealt with the management of inherited French colonies from the French and Indian war. It established government for four areas: Quebec, West Florida, East Florida, and Grenada.
One of the biggest problems confronting the British Empire in 1763 was controlling land speculators in both Europe and the British colonies whose activities often led to frontier conflicts. Some Native American people had a
History 111-3942
Professor Fred S. Standley
May 05, 2014
Mid Term Exam
The process for creating a Constitution for our young nation
After winning the American Revolution, America was skeptical about establishing a centralized government. They feared that this would only create more problems for them. This is why the first U.S. Constitution, The Articles of Confederation, created a decentralized new government, establishing the U.S. as a confederation of states. In other words, they were “independent” yet still bound together by congress.
Over time, The Articles of Confederation were ineffective; leaving congress powerless over the United States and unable to control taxes. Not long after, delegates from practically all states met in 1787 to revise these Articles and instead came up with a new plan. This plan would implement desired changes from all delegates which became “The Constitution”.
The new Constitution developed a new government in which would be divided into three branches:
1) Legislative - Congress
2) Executive – President
3) Judicial – Headed by Supreme Court
Shortly following was a huge debate which ended on a compromise for a two house congress, including an:
1) Upper House – The Senate
This would have equal representation for each state.
2) Lower House – House of Representatives Representation based on population. Congress was then able to levy taxes, and control interstate commerce.
Proclamation line of 1763
Besides regulating colonial expansion, the Proclamation of 1763 dealt with the management of inherited French colonies from the French and Indian war. It established government for four areas: Quebec, West Florida, East Florida, and Grenada.
One of the biggest problems confronting the British Empire in 1763 was controlling land speculators in both Europe and the British colonies whose activities often led to frontier conflicts. Some Native American people had a