A Changing World

        Early in the American Revolution, the states began writing new constitutions, which helped establish many principles of American government. Americans knew that they needed a central government to lead the war effort, and Congress wrote the Articles of Confederation. But the government created under the Articles of Confederation had weaknesses. When a rebellion broke out, some leaders feared that the nation would be torn apart. They called for a meeting to discuss changes to the Articles government. The Constitutional Convention wrote an entire new plan of government, creating a much stronger central government. Some Americans opposed this plan, but in the end the Constitution was ratified.

Section 1 -
​The Articles of Confederation

Political ideas and major events shape how people form governments.
​
When the Americans colonies broke their political ties with Great Britain, they faced the task of forming independent governments at both the state and national levels.

​Essential Question:
​Why is it important what kind of government we live under?

Cornell Notes Video - Chapter 3, Section 1 - Part 1

Cornell Notes Video - Chapter 3,
​Section 1, Parts 2 and 3

Cornell Notes Video - Chapter 3, Section 1, Part 4

Section 2 -
​Convention
​and Compromise

Section 3 -
A New Plan
​of Government
A constitution reflects the values and goals of a society that creates it.
​
​The new Constitution corrected the weaknesses of government under the Articles of Confederation.

Essential Question:
​How does a constitution reflect the values and goals of the society that creates it?

Cornell Notes Video - Chapter 3, Section 2 - Part 1

Cornell Notes Video - Chapter 3, Section 2 - Part 2
Political ideas and major events shape how people form governments.

​The United States system of government rests on the Constitution.

Essential Question:
​What ideas and goals are addressed in the U.S. Constitution?

Cornell Notes Video - Chapter 3, Section 3 - Part 1

Cornell Notes Video - Chapter 3, Section 3 - Part 2