Founding a Nation: Early Republic & Constitution
The Early Republic and Constitution examines the formation of the United States government, the creation of the Constitution, and the challenges faced by the new nation from 1783 to the early 1800s. It covers the shift from the weak Articles of Confederation to a stronger federal system, the debates over governance, and early issues like economic instability and foreign relations that tested the young republic.
Timeline of Early Republic & Constitution
This section outlines the key phases and developments in the early U.S. government. Here’s the breakdown:
- Articles of Confederation (1781-1789): The first U.S. government framework and its shortcomings.
- Constitutional Convention (1787): The drafting of the U.S. Constitution to address governance issues.
- Ratification and Bill of Rights (1789-1791): The adoption of the Constitution and its first amendments.
- Early Challenges (1790s-1800s): Issues faced by the new nation, from economic struggles to political divisions.
Key Figures and Events
This section highlights the main individuals and pivotal moments that shaped the Early Republic:
- George Washington (1789-1797): First U.S. president, set precedents like the two-term limit.
- Constitutional Convention (1787): Delegates in Philadelphia drafted the Constitution.
- James Madison (1787): Known as the “Father of the Constitution,” authored key sections.
- Shays’ Rebellion (1786-1787): A farmers’ uprising that exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
- Bill of Rights (1791): The first 10 amendments, ensuring individual freedoms like speech and religion.
- Hamilton’s Financial Plan (1790-1791): Alexander Hamilton’s policies to stabilize the U.S. economy.
Examples of Early Republic & Constitution
Articles of Confederation (1781-1789) Examples
- The Articles gave states more power, but Congress couldn’t tax or regulate trade.
- The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set rules for new territories, banning slavery there.
- The lack of a strong central government led to economic chaos, like inflation.
Constitutional Convention (1787) Examples
- The Great Compromise created a bicameral Congress with the Senate and House.
- The Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved people as three-fifths for representation.
- Federalists and Anti-Federalists debated over a strong central government versus states’ rights.
Ratification and Bill of Rights (1789-1791) Examples
- The Constitution was ratified by nine states in 1788, becoming law.
- The Bill of Rights guaranteed freedoms like the press and assembly.
- Virginia and New York ratified after debates, ensuring national unity.
Early Challenges (1790s-1800s) Examples
- The Whiskey Rebellion in 1794 tested federal authority over tax protests.
- The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 restricted free speech, sparking political backlash.
- The U.S. faced tensions with Britain, leading to Jay’s Treaty in 1795 over trade issues.