In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine how the first state constitutions were designed after the American Revolution, including the role of the executive, the structure of state legislatures, and the inclusion of bills of rights protecting freedoms such as religion and trial by jury. The lesson also covers the Articles of Confederation, the Ordinances of 1785 and 1787, and the problems that arose from a weak central government. Key figures like Daniel Shays and concepts such as economic depression are introduced to help students understand the challenges of governing the new nation.
Section 1
States Create New Constitutions to Protect Rights
After declaring independence, states designed constitutions that limited governor power, gave authority to legislatures, and protected individual rights like freedom of religion, press, and trial by jury.
Section 2
Articles of Confederation Restricts Federal Authority
America's first national government consisted of only a legislature with limited powers. States held most authority, while Congress couldn't collect taxes or enforce laws, creating a deliberately weak central government.
Section 3
Congress Establishes Systems for Western Expansion
The Land Ordinance of 1785 organized territories into townships and sections, while the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 created a process for territories to become states and banned slavery.
Section 4
Shays' Rebellion Exposes Government's Weaknesses
Economic depression drove Massachusetts farmers to rebel when they couldn't pay taxes. The government's inability to address these problems convinced leaders that the Articles of Confederation needed revision.
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Section 1
States Create New Constitutions to Protect Rights
After declaring independence, states designed constitutions that limited governor power, gave authority to legislatures, and protected individual rights like freedom of religion, press, and trial by jury.
Section 2
Articles of Confederation Restricts Federal Authority
America's first national government consisted of only a legislature with limited powers. States held most authority, while Congress couldn't collect taxes or enforce laws, creating a deliberately weak central government.
Section 3
Congress Establishes Systems for Western Expansion
The Land Ordinance of 1785 organized territories into townships and sections, while the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 created a process for territories to become states and banned slavery.
Section 4
Shays' Rebellion Exposes Government's Weaknesses
Economic depression drove Massachusetts farmers to rebel when they couldn't pay taxes. The government's inability to address these problems convinced leaders that the Articles of Confederation needed revision.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter