Aim: To Argue whether or not the Articles of Confederation were a Success or Failure? Do Now: Complete the document on the next slide in complete sentences in your notebook.

Do Now “The Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, on November 15, However, ratification of the Articles of Confederation by all thirteen states did not occur until March 1, The Articles created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, leaving most of the power with the state governments. The need for a stronger Federal government soon became apparent and eventually led to the Constitutional Convention in The present United States Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation on March 4, 1789.” ~ loc.gov Questions: Four Significant facts about the Articles of Confederation are: 2

The Articles of Confederation America’s 1 st Constitution The first system of government designed by the Founding Fathers was a Confederation. Under a Confederate system, the National or Central Government is given only a few powers, while most of the power is reserved for the States.

The Articles of Confederation America’s 1 st Constitution The Articles had 2 major achievements: 1)Bringing the Revolutionary War to a successful conclusion 2) North West Ordinance (plan for governing the western lands)

The Articles of Confederation Congress was given the power to: America’s 1 st Constitution Declare War & Establish an Army/Navy No Power to Draft Soldiers

The Articles of Confederation Congress was given the power to: America’s 1 st Constitution Make Peace & Sign Treaties No Power to Enforce Treaties

The Articles of Confederation Congress was given the power to: America’s 1 st Constitution Borrow Money No Power to Collect Taxes from the States

The Articles of Confederation Congress was given the power to: America’s 1 st Constitution Organize a Post Office

The Articles of Confederation Congress was given the power to: America’s 1 st Constitution No Chief Executive No national court system No Power to Regulate Interstate Commerce No National Currency Difficult to Pass laws (2/3 vote)

The Articles of Confederation Congress was given the power to: America’s 1 st Constitution Difficult to Amend (unanimous vote needed to change the articles)

The Articles of Confederation Congress given the power to: Declare War Make Peace Sign Treaties Borrow Money Establish an Army & Navy Organize a Post Office No Chief Executive No National Court System No Power to Draft Soldiers No Power to Control Interstate Commerce No Power to Enforce Treaties No Power to Collect Taxes from the States Difficult to Pass Laws (2/3 vote) No National Currency Difficult to Amend (Unanimous Vote Needed to Change Articles)

Conclusion They feared that a strong central government would create tyranny, and stamp out the peoples natural God given rights. Why did the Founding Fathers Choose a Confederation plan of government?

Conclusion Why Did the Founding Fathers believe the Articles needed to be replaced by the US Constitution? The nation needed to function as ONE united country & not 13 small unorganized nations. Shay’s rebellion proved the need to strengthen the government.

Essential Questions / Enduring Understandings: 1.During what time period did the Articles of Confederation exist? 2.What are the main defining characteristics of the Articles of Confederation? 3.What are the Articles of Confederation’s strengths and weaknesses? 4.How would you rate the overall effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation? 5.What major characteristics of the Articles of Confederation resulted in its demise and inspired the framers to create the Constitution? 6.Argue whether or not the Articles of Confederation were a success or failure? What is your rational or reasoning. Be specific.

Critics of the Articles of Confederation argued that it (1) imposed unfair taxes on the states (2) used a draft to raise a national army (3) provided a strong system of federal courts (4) placed too much power in the hands of the states

The primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation was to (1) provide revenues for the national government (2) establish the basic framework of the national government (3) give the national government the power to regulate interstate commerce (4) guarantee a bill of rights to protect citizens from the national government