Questions Organization Accomplishments Weaknesses Summary

Why did the new states choose a confederate form of government? What were the accomplishments of the confederate government? Explain the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

The states were joined together in a loose union known as a confederation. The states kept most of the powers and the national government was weak. This was opposite of the British system which had a strong national government. The states were determined to keep another strong national government from interfering with their newly found independence.

The confederate government had two major accomplishments. It negotiated a peace treaty with Britain. It passed The Northwest Ordinance which set up governments in the newly acquired territories.

The major weaknesses of the confederation were: Congress could not pass taxes. Congress could not enforce laws. Congress could not regulate trade. Laws needed approval of 9 of the 13 states. All 13 states had to approve changes to the Articles. There was no executive branch. There was no judicial branch.

Explain the significance of each weakness of The Articles of Confederation. Think about: How did the weakness prevented the national government from being successful? What effect would the weakness have on the strength of the new nation?