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How the Founding Fathers designed a system of government that would last.
Imagine trying to play a game of soccer where every single player has to agree on the rules before the game can even start. Sounds impossible, right? That is exactly how the first United States government felt!
After winning the Revolutionary War, the United States created its first plan for government called the Articles of Confederation. Think of it as 'weak glue.' The states wanted to be independent, so they gave the central government very little power. The national government couldn't collect taxes, which meant it had no money to pay soldiers or build roads. It also didn't have a leader like a President to make quick decisions. If the government wanted to change a law, all 13 states had to agree. It was like a ship with 13 captains all trying to steer in different directions!
Quick Check
What was one major reason the Articles of Confederation failed?
Answer
The central government was too weak because it could not collect taxes or enforce laws effectively.
In 1787, leaders met in Philadelphia to fix the government. A big fight broke out between large states (like Virginia) and small states (like New Jersey). Large states wanted more votes in government because they had more people. Small states wanted every state to have the same number of votes. To solve this, they created the Great Compromise. They split Congress into two parts: the Senate (where every state gets 2 votes) and the House of Representatives (where votes are based on population). It was a win-win!
Let's look at how the Great Compromise works using simple math. Imagine there are only two states: 1. State A has a population of people. 2. State B has a population of people.
In the Senate, both states get exactly votes. In the House of Representatives, State A might get votes while State B only gets votes because State A has more people.
Quick Check
Which part of Congress gives more power to states with larger populations?
Answer
The House of Representatives.
The Founding Fathers didn't want any one person to have too much power, like a king. So, they designed a system of Checks and Balances by splitting the government into three branches.
1. Legislative Branch (Congress): They make the laws. 2. Executive Branch (President): They carry out or enforce the laws. 3. Judicial Branch (Supreme Court): They interpret the laws to make sure they follow the Constitution.
If one branch tries to take too much power, the other two can 'check' it and stop it.
Here is how a law is made and checked: 1. Legislative: Congress writes a law saying everyone must wear purple on Tuesdays. 2. Executive: The President thinks the law is silly and uses a veto to stop it. 3. Legislative: Congress votes again and 'overrides' the veto with a majority. 4. Judicial: The Supreme Court looks at the law and decides if it violates the Constitution.
Imagine the President wants to spend money on a new project, but Congress refuses to give the money. This is a 'check' on the Executive branch. To succeed, the President must negotiate with the Legislative branch. This forces different parts of the government to work together rather than one person making all the rules.
Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?
The Great Compromise created a 'bicameral' (two-house) legislature. What are the two houses called?
Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had a strong President to lead the country.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to name the three branches of government and one 'check' they have on each other.
Practice Activity
Draw a 'Three-Legged Stool' on a piece of paper. Label each leg as one of the branches of government. Under each leg, write one thing that branch does!