SS8H4a Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both the Georgia constitution of 1777 and the Articles of Confederation and explain how weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation led to a need to revise the Articles.
Background readings on pages 502-523
Georgia Constitution of 1777 (page 156)
Georgians were excited about the decision to become independent of Great Britain. The goal for the colonists was statehood. Each state would have its own method of governance and pass laws that met its needs. Before the Declaration of Independence, Georgia was governed by “Rules and regulations”. For Georgia, choosing a new form was not an easy task. Many wanted the government to stay the same, with a few wealthy landowners and businessmen having all the power. The Whigs wanted the power to be in the hands of the people. The Whigs won.
In May 1777, GA adopted its first state constitution at a constitutional convention held in Savannah. The parish system was done away with and 8 counties were formed.
Problems with the Constitution of 1777:
1)Instead of a bicameral legislature, the constitution of 1777 called for a unicameral (one house) legislature. This single legislative house had a lot of power and could appoint the courts (judicial) and the governor (executive).
2)The term for governor was set for 1 year. This would keep any governor from getting too powerful!
The real power was in the hands of the executive council, the 12 law makers from the legislature. The executive council could accept or reject any proposals initiated by the governor.
The first governor of Georgia was John Treutlen, a Salzburger.
Articles of Confederation (page 157)
-Ratified in 1781
-The founding fathers wanted to make sure the new government would be different from the government of Great Britain.
-The national government was intentionally weak so the states would have the power.
-The new U.S. government was unicameral, each state had one vote.
-No chief executive and no national court.
-Weaknesses in the articles of confederation:
1)The congress could not pay the soldiers, so asked for help from the states and was turned down.
2)The new government could not regulate trade between states and foreign countries.
3)Each state had its own money system which caused problems.
4)The national government was powerless to stop the British from occupying some of the forts in the Northwest territories.
-George Washington and others were alarmed at what was happing and wanted to revise the articles of confederation. A convention was held in 1786 in Annapolis, MD. Representatives from only 5 states attended and nothing was accomplished. They did decide to hold another convention the following year in which they would revise to articles of confederation. The goal was to make the national government stronger.
SS8H4b- Describe the role of Georgia at the Constitutional Convention of 1787; include the role of Abraham Baldwin and William Few, and reasons why Georgia ratified the new U.S. Constitution
Role of GA at the Constitutional Convention (page 174-175 and 503-504
Read pages 174-175, be prepared for discussion and possible pop quiz.
GA appointed William Pierce, William Few, Abraham Baldwin, and William Houstoun as delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Only Few and Baldwin stayed till the end.
Read “The Great Compromise” on page 505 and write a paragraph (at least 6 sentences) on your understanding of what it was in the space below.
Activity:
You have been given the challenge of starting our country all over again. Brainstorm 10 things you would like to change (remember, you will have to live with these changes). After brainstorming, get in a group of 3 or 4 and write down the way you would have set up the national government in 1787.
Activity:
Research William Few and Abraham Baldwin. Complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the two men.
Write down reasons Georgia ratified the new constitution
Look at the chart of the Presidential Line of Succession. How would you reorganize the line? In today’s society, do you think this is still the best way for the succession to go? In the space provided explain what you would change and why.