Nation’s First Government Ch 3 Sec 1: Goal 1.05

After Declaration of Independence By 1776 many states had similar governments Bicameral legislatures (two houses) Many states had a bill of rights Elected governors Court systems States were too small to maintain large armies for defense

Articles of Confederation Second Continental Congress began forming new gov’t in 1777 Articles were ratified in 1781, considered a “league of friendship” Confederation Congress: one house legislature where each state had one vote

Limits of the Articles No Power to Enforce Laws States were afraid of a central power similar to that of England No power to tax (but it could ask) States wanted control over taxes so they wouldn’t feel abused again

Ordinance of 1785 Outlined a system of land surveying (measuring) lands that helped form and sell new settlements We still use this method today

Northwest Ordinance Outlined the new organization of territories Outlined how to become a state Declared no slavery in the new territories Included present-day areas of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin

Weaknesses of Articles Lack of power and money No tax collection No power to regulate trade No power to enforce laws Lack of central power No leader or group directed policy No national court system Rules too rigid Could not pass laws unless at least 9 states approved Articles could not be changed unless all 13 agreed

Treaty of Paris Signed in 1783, ended the American Revolutionary War The government was left in HUGE debt to various countries with no way to collect money through the Articles CRISIS TIME!!

Rebellions Many Americans were angry over the heavy taxes imposed by states Shay’s Rebellion: Faced with losing his farm due to debt from taxes, Shay led 1200 farmers in rebellion against a federal arsenal Conclusion: People were not happy.