3.9 The Constitution

From weak union to stronger government

The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government with no power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws, leaving states largely sovereign. Problems like Shays' Rebellion exposed these weaknesses, prompting leaders to call the Constitutional Convention (1787) in Philadelphia to revise, and ultimately replace, the Articles with a new framework.

Compromises built the Constitution

Delegates debated representation and power. The Great (Connecticut) Compromise created a bicameral legislature with equal state representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House. The Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved people partially for representation and taxation. The new Constitution established federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances among three branches.

Ratification debate: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists (Hamilton, Madison, Jay), via *The Federalist Papers*, argued a strong central government was needed for stability and defended checks against tyranny. Anti-Federalists feared centralized power would threaten liberty and demanded a Bill of Rights. Ratification succeeded (1788) after Federalists promised to add amendments protecting individual rights, added in 1791.

Key terms

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. government framework; created a weak central government with no power to tax or regulate trade.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

Created a bicameral Congress: equal representation in the Senate, proportional representation in the House.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported a strong central government and the Constitution; Anti-Federalists feared it threatened liberty and demanded a Bill of Rights.

Checks and balances

A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others, preventing tyranny.

Try an AP-style question

Separation of powers divides government into…

1. the army, the navy, and the state militias
2. legislative, executive, and judicial branches
3. federal, state, and local governments
4. the House, the Senate, and the president