2. THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
Adopted in 1781 as the first form of government
Articles provided a limited central government
and strong state government
Confederation Congress could not tax, enforce
laws, no authority over citizens, could not
regulate money
All 13 Colonies had to agree to make changes to
the Articles
Result in 1787 the Constitutional Convention
met to form a new government
3. national government has
the power to levy taxes,
raise an army, regulate
trade, and create a
national currency
Broke Legislative branch
into two different
sections: Senate and
House of Representatives
Any power not regulated
by the federal government
goes to the state
4. THE BILL OF RIGHTS
Are the first ten amendments to the constitution
Ratified on December 15, 1791
Outlines the limits and powers of the federal and state
governments
Protects the rights of individual citizens
Inspired by other famous documents like the Magna Carta (1215)
and English Bill of Rights (1689)
5. THE BILL OF RIGHTS
1. Freedom of Religion, Press, and Petition
2. Right to bear arms
3. No quartering (housing) of troops
4. No unreasonable search of seizure
5. Right not to testify against yourself at trial (I Pled the
Fifth)
6. Right to a speedy trial
7. Trial by jury
8. No cruel and unusual punishment
9. No rights stated in the Constitution shall be taken
away
10.Rights of the State under the Constitution