The Articles of Confederation Weak central government (strong state governments) Federal government could not collect taxes. No Federal military States were coining their own money States were making their own foreign treaties. Uprising led by Massachusetts farmers against paying taxes. Attack a Federal arsenal and the Federal government had no military to protect itself. Send in state militia. **Proved weakness of Articles. Problem- large states want representation based on population. Small states want equal representation. Solution- Bicameral legislature (2 Houses). Created Congress. House of Representatives is based on population and Senate is equal representation (2 from each state). Problem- North wants Federal government to regulate trade. South wants states to regulate trade because they are afraid the Federal government will end the slave trade. Solution-Federal government gets right to regulate trade, but cannot end the slave trade until This just ends the importation of slaves, not slavery itself. Problem- North wants slaves to count for taxes, but not representation. South wants slaves to count for representation, but not taxes. Solution- 3/5 th Compromise. Each slave will count as 3/5 th of a person. Example- 15slaves X 3/5 th = 9 slaves for taxes and reps. Problem- How many people should be part of the executive branch? How should they be selected? Solution- President and Vice President. Chosen by the electoral college. The electoral college is a safety net. Supported ratification of the Constitution. Better than the Articles of Confederation. Balanced power between state and Federal government (Federalism). Did not support ratification of the Constitution. Not enough protection for individual rights. Added the Bill of Rights 1787 Federalist Papers- persuasive essays. The Preamble says- Americans expect their government to defend justice and liberty and provide peace and safety from foreign countries. Purpose- The Preamble describes the purpose of the government set up by the Constitution.