Federalism - Timeline of Events to the Constitution
You can find this storyboard in the following articles and resources:
Federalism: The Evolution of a Democratic Republic
Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett
The United States did not spring into being, fully formed. It took the valiant efforts of patriotic revolutionaries both on and off the battlefield. After many debates and compromises, the US federal government was formed through the development of the Articles of Confederation and the later Constitution. Engage students with premade activities and storyboards with Storyboard That.
Storyboard Description
History of Federalism - Using a timeline storyboard, students will be able to chronologically outline early America's path to achieving a structured government. Beginning with the initiation of the Articles of Confederation, students will define and note major events that eventually lead to the ratification of the Constitution. By examining each major event, the evolution and process of just how a government was agreed upon will be clear and concise.
Storyboard Text
- ADOPTION OF THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
- TIMELINE: EVOLUTION OF EARLY AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
- In the midst of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress ratifies the Articles of Confederation. However, the Articles are weak, and give no real power to the federal government. Colonists and leaders agree they need to be revised.
- INDEPENDENCE IS WON
- SHAY'S REBELLION
- REBEL!
- These taxes are too HIGH!
- REBEL!
- By 1783, the Revolutionary War ends in victory for the American colonists. Defeating Great Britain, the colonies turned their attention towards self-government. The Articles were still in effect, yet just how problematic they were was still to be seen.
- ANNAPOLIS CONVENTION
- In the midst of political and economic crisis, Daniel Shay, a Massachusetts farmer, led a rebellion. A new tax aimed at paying war debts ruined many farmers. Congress failed to quell the rebellion. The need for reform was more evident than ever.
- Where are the delegates?!?
- Nationalists met in Annapolis, Maryland to discuss the economic problems and how the Articles failed to address them. Only 12 delegates from five states attended, and all agreed to meet in Philadelphia at a later date.
- THE CONVENTION PASSES THE CONSTITUTION
- Our new Constitution is RATIFIED!
- Fifty-five delegates from every colony except Rhode Island met to address the issues of the Articles. Instead, they recreated an entire new structure of government: the Constitution. After much debate, it was passed and given to states to ratify it.
- WASHINGTON ELECTED PRESIDENT
- BILL OF RIGHTS RATIFIED
- With the passing of the Constitution, the position of President took on a whole new meaning. Given much more power, the electoral college unanimously elected George Washington as the nation's first president. He served as President until 1797.
- In order to achieve ratification, the states ratify 10 of 12 proposed amendments and constitute what is known as the Bill of Rights. They guarantee individual and state rights. Their addition helps push states to ratify the Constitution.
- BILL OF RIGHTS
- HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!
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