THE CONSTITUTION OF

THE UNITED STATES

MIN THANT TIN

B.A. (HONS) (ENGLISH), M.HUM. (LITERATURE & CULTURE)

(AIRLANGGA UNIVERSITY, INDONESIA)
ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

• The United States’ first attempt at self-rule adopted by Congress

in 1777 and ratified by the states in 1781
• After fighting for independence against British rule, the
colonies did not want a powerful government that might become
tyrannical.
 WEAKNESSES OF THE CONFEDERATION SYSTEM

• As a result, the Articles loosely unified the colonies as states under

Congress, which had only a few limited powers.
• Congress could negotiate with other countries, raise armies, and declare
war, but it had no authority to regulate trade or impose taxes.
• In addition, there were no separate branches of government, and each
state had one vote in Congress, regardless of population.
ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION DIDN’T WORK

• After several political and economic problems threatened to

undo the young republic following the end of the Revolutionary
War, the political leaders of the United States met again to
discuss the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
• It was agreed that although balance and oversight must be
maintained, a strong national government was essential to the
nation’s success.
 DRAFTING THE US CONSTITUTION

• In 1787, 55 delegates representing the 13 states met in Independence Hall in Philadelphia

• First, they divided the government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
• Second, the delegates greatly increased the powers and responsibilities of Congress.
• Third, they divided the Congress into two houses, a House of Representatives, and a
Senate
• Finally, the delegates created federalism, in which power would be divided between the
national and state governments.
RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION

• In September, the Constitution was voted on by Congress and submitted to

the states for ratification.
• Once all state concerns were satisfied, including the addition of a Bill of
Rights, the Constitution was formally ratified by all 13 states on May 29,
1790.
• The US government as we know it was born.