Ch.8.1 – The Confederation Era Begin/complete/review chapter 8 flashcards

Today’s Target: Analyze the strengths & weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation & Begin Ch.8.1 handout

Ch.8.1 – The Confederation Era Read, “One American’s Story” p. 235 What does the phrase, “Be careful what you wish for” mean to you? Confederation = a loose union of states * weak national government & strong state governments

What kinds of issues might arise surrounding the creation of a new government?

Read, “Articles of Confederation”, p. 236 (the first plan of government for the U.S.) What do you think are the most important Powers? What problems do you see?

Ch.8.1 – Forming a New Government People want to prevent tyranny like they suffered under the British King States fear that one part of the Government could Become too powerful Small states with few Western lands would not be able to pay off debts; refuse to ratify Articles of Confederation 1. States created separate Branches of government 2. Americans realize that they must unite & form a nat’l govt in order to solve problems 3. All states gave up their claims to western lands in order to win ratification States pass Bills of Rights, Which protect freedom of Press & religion Slogan: “By uniting we Stand, by dividing we fall” What does this mean? The new government

What were in the new state constitutions? Republicanism (representatives) 3 branches of government (with checks) Bills of Rights

State Claims to Western Lands

Ch.8.1 – The Confederation Era Turn to page 240 Why was it important to have a process for dividing Land & admitting new states to the United States Now, read, “The Northwest Territory”

Land Ordinance of 1785

Ch.8.1 – Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles Northwest Territory needs to be governed Britain and Spain interfere with American trade 5. U.S. government did not have the strength to face superior forces States consider giving more power to the national government 4. - Land Ordinance, 1785 (divides land) - Northwest Ordinance, 1787 (governs land) 6. Leaders realized that the inability to handle an armed uprising (Shays Rebellion) & economic problems spelled danger for the nation (-) weakness (+) strength (-) weakness Overall, the Articles are weak and won’t work long term

Land Ordinance of 1785

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 One of the major accomplishments of the Confederation Congress! Three steps to statehood 1.Congress appointed 3 judges & a governor to govern the territory. 2.When population reached 5,000 adult male landowners  elect territorial legislature. 3.When population reached 60,000  can apply for statehood

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Voting power in Congress was not fair Could not regulate trade between states Could not tax (to pay debt) Could not raise an army (to defend) No executive or judicial branches (to enforce national laws) Strength of the Articles of Confederation Land Ordinance & NW Ordinance provided orderly territory expansion

The Articles of Confederation

Confederation weaknessNew Government strength 1. Equality of states in voting, regardless of population size 2. No national courts 7. States were only way to enforce national laws 3. National court system with a supreme court 5. Authority to regulate trade between states & foreign nations 6. Could not collect taxes. 8. Executive branch could enforce national laws 4. Majority required to pass a bill

Quietly review your chapter 8 vocabulary

Name one problem caused by the Articles of Confederation?

& The Congress didn’t have authority to deal with unforeseen problems The strength was in the states

Ch.8.1 – The Confederation Era Name the “townships” surrounding Lancaster What is a township?

American Exports, To & From Britain: What do you note about the difference between imports & exports? What is the effect of high tariffs on these imports?

Shays’ Rebellion: Daniel Shays Western Massachusetts Small farmers angered by crushing debts and taxes.

Who cares about having a farm anyway? Without property, you can't feed your family! Without property, you can't vote! Without property, you can't make money! Without making money, you get thrown into debtor's prison!

& The Congress didn’t have authority to deal with unforeseen problems The strength was in the states

One Major Weakness Congress did not have the power to collect taxes from the states.

Could I please have $1000? NO!

What's a government to do? Hmmmm....why don't I just print some more money?

PRINTING MONEY NEVER SOLVES A GOVERNMENT'S PROBLEMS! Inflation was so out of control in Germany that in 1923, it cost 4 million of their dollars to buy a loaf of bread! How is that possible?

Uh oh...no money! Remember! The Congress didn't have the power to tax states...they could only ask for money! The states said no! So Congress couldn't pay its bills! So they printed more money! So they caused inflation and made money worth less!

The Articles of Confederation