The New Nation

Abigail Adams:

“...remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.”

Virginians could not have the "passion for Liberty" they claimed they did, since they "deprive their fellow Creatures" of freedom.

The New Nation:

I.                        Creating the Constitution

A.             Context:

Shay’s Rebellion: 1786

B.             Constitutional Convention

Structural Features:  Three Branches:

Judiciary/Executive/Legislative

Key Concepts:

a. Federalism

1. Virginia Plan

(TWO HOUSES, BASED ON POP.)

2. New Jersey Plan

(ONE HOUSE, ONE VOTE PER STATE)

3. Connecticut Plan

(THE GREAT COMPROMISE)

b. Democracy

c. Liberty: we are preoccupied with rights

"Liberty is to be free from restraint and violence from others." Locke

--he was crucial in that he helped Americans envision the attainment of natural rights.

"Men by nature are free, equal, and independent." Rousseau, The Social Contract 1762

d. Limited government

(based on states of nature)

"Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains." Rousseau

Could the American system be a corrective to this quote?

e. Equality: belief in an equal chance at life

f. Civic Duty: perfect society has a price

II.                      Ratification of the Constitution

--by July of 1788, 10 of 13 had ratified the Constitution.

--by 1790, all 13 had ratified.

PROTECTING LIBERTY:

The Bill of Rights…

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

---

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

---

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

---

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

---

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

---

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

---

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

---

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

---

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

---

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

III.                    First Party System:

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

                   Hamilton                     vs.        Jefferson

Hamilton:                     People are “ambitious, vindictive, and rapacious…and seldom judge or determine right.”

IV.                    Election of 1796: (Adams)

Alien and Sedition Acts

V.                      Election of 1800

SHAPE OF THE NATION:

2.5 million in 1775

5.3 million in 1800

300,000 in towns of 2500 or more (less than 7% “urban”)

"My father was A farmer and by the help of his trusty rifle kept the family in wild meat such as bear, elk, deer, and wild Turkey."

"My Farm gave me and my family a good living on the produce of it; and left me, one year after another, one hundred and fifty dollars, for I have never spent more than ten dollars a year, which was for salt, nails, and the like. Nothing to wear, eat, or drink was purchased, as my farm produced all."

V. Revolution of 1800?

VI. The Courts

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

VII. The West: Completing the Vision

A. Louisiana Purchase

B. Lewis and Clark

VIII. Slavery