Ch. 7 Sect. 1 The Articles of Confederation pp. 186-193 A More Perfect Union Ch. 7 Sect. 1 The Articles of Confederation pp. 186-193

From Independent States to a Republic States needed to establish their own constitutions Didn’t want too much power in the hands of a single ruler Established two-house bicameral legislatures where white males and some free Africans over 21 could vote

Forming a Republic—Articles of Confederation approved 1781 Most wanted a republic but favored a weak central gov’t—In Nov. 1777 Articles of Confederation became first U. S. constitution States gave up little of their power Central gov’t could conduct foreign affairs, have an army, borrow and issue money—but couldn’t regulate trade, impose taxes or make soldiers join the army

Land Policies Land Ordinance of 1785 Established a procedure for surveying (divided into townships) and selling western land Northwest Ordinance 1787 Divided land into present day Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan & Wisconsin When population reached 60,000 could apply as a state

Northwest Territory Five states created: Ohio, Indiana Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin Maps.com

Territories after Treaty of Paris 1783 All territory east of Mississippi River except for Florida

Trouble on Two Fronts Financial Problems Money printed during the war depreciated Large war debt left by the Continental Congress

Problems with Britain and Spain Britain continued to occupy forts in the Great Lakes and kept Am. Merchants out of the West Indies Spain closed lower Miss. R to Am shipping GW—described the gov’t as “little more than a shadow without substance”