Revolutionary Challenges: Building a New Nation

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

The Revolutionary War is over, and America is independent! But starting a new country is tough. As we discuss the challenges, jot down notes and think about how these problems might make it hard to run a country.

Section 1: Economic Challenges

1. Multiple Currencies: Why was it a problem that each state printed its own money?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. War Debt: The new nation had a lot of debt from fighting the war. How might this debt impact the new government and its people?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Interstate Trade Issues: How did the lack of a strong central government make trade difficult between the different states?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 2: Political & Social Challenges

4. Weak Central Government: Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had very little power. What problems could arise if the central government can't enforce laws or collect taxes effectively?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. State Disagreements: Imagine New York and New Jersey are arguing over something important. If the national government is weak, how would they solve their disagreements?
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Shays' Rebellion: Farmers in Massachusetts rebelled because they couldn't pay their taxes and were losing their land. What does an event like Shays' Rebellion tell us about the stability of the new nation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflect and Connect

7. Looking at all these challenges, do you think the new United States was strong or weak right after the war? Explain your reasoning.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Government Builders Discussion Cards

Instructions: Work with your group to discuss the scenarios below. Imagine you are at the Constitutional Convention. How would you propose solving these challenges to create a stronger, more unified United States?

Card 1: The Money Problem

Imagine half of the states are printing their own money, and it's making trade between states almost impossible! Merchants don't know which money is worth what. How would you create a system that makes trade fair and easy for everyone across the entire nation?

Card 2: The Rebellious Farmers

News has reached the convention that farmers in one state are rebelling because they can't pay their taxes, and the current national government is too weak to help restore order. What kind of power does the national government need to prevent such rebellions and ensure stability?

Card 3: The Arguing States

Let's say two states are having a serious disagreement about land boundaries or trade routes. Under the current system, there's no strong national court to settle their dispute. How would you design a system to resolve conflicts peacefully and fairly between states?

Card 4: Protecting Rights vs. Strong Government

Some people are worried that a strong central government might take away the freedoms they just fought for. Others argue that without a strong government, the country will fall apart. How can you create a government that is strong enough to lead, but also protects the rights and liberties of individual citizens and states?

Revolutionary Government Cool Down

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Reflect on Today's Lesson

1. One Big Challenge: What was one major challenge the newly independent United States faced after the Revolutionary War?
   
   
   

2. One Key Solution: What was one important idea or solution that the Constitutional Convention came up with to address the challenges facing the new nation?
   
   
   

3. Your Thoughts: Why do you think it was so important for the founders to create a strong national government, even after fighting a war to be free from a powerful government (Britain)?