The U.S. Constitution

1. Supreme Law of the United States
   1. The Constitution is more of a political than a legal document
      1. Intentionally vague and ambiguous
      2. Necessary for political compromise
   2. This ambiguity resulted in:
      1. Ratification and longevity
      2. Conflict and bloodshed

2. The Political Stakes
   1. The stakes in the battle over independence and the Constitution were
      1. Who would control the economic wealth of North America?
      2. Who would benefit from the riches of America?
   2. The economic struggle had unanticipated political consequences
      1. The accidental democracy?

3. The Struggle for Independence, 1650-1756

4. Seven Years War, 1756-63

5. American Revolution
   1. British Taxes, 1763-1774
   2. War and Independence, 1775-83
      1. Boston Tea Party, December 1773
      2. Intolerable Acts, April 1774
      3. First Continental Congress, September 1774
      4. Concord Battle, April 1775
      5. Second Continental Congress, May 1775
      6. Surrender of Cornwallis, 1781
      7. Peace of Paris, 1783

6. Articles of Confederation, 1781-1789
   1. An international treaty among 13 independent countries
   2. Most legal powers retained by States
   3. Structure of Congress
   4. Annapolis, Md., Meeting, 1786
   5. Shays' Rebellion, 1786-1787

7. Philadelphia Convention, April - September, 1787
   1. Madison's Dilemma
      1. How to create a government strong enough to protect property, but not so strong as to threaten property
      2. Protect liberty and defend against Tyranny
         1. Tyranny of the Minority
         2. Tyranny of the Majority?
   2. Madisonian Model of Government
      1. Separation of Powers
      2. Checks and Balances
      3. Federalism
   3. Constitutional Compromises
      1. Great Compromise
      2. Three Fifths Compromise

8. Ratification of the U.S. Constitution, 1787-88
   1. Ratification was difficult even with
   2. Ratification procedures
   3. "We the People"
   4. Debate in New York led to the Federalist Papers
   5. Debate in Virginia
      1. Thomas Jefferson and others feared the new Congress had too much power
      2. Article I, Section 8 lists the many powers of Congress
      3. In addition, all powers "necessary and proper" were given to Congress
      4. Jefferson wanted limits on the powers of Congress
      5. Madison agreed to add limits later

9. Final Ratification
   1. By June 1788, nine states had ratified

10. U.S. Bill of Rights
    1. Madison kept his promise to add limits to powers of Congress
    2. U.S. Bill of Rights put limits on the powers of Congress and national government