Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Articles of Confederation (America’s First “Constitution”) 1781-1789 Created a league of friendship between the 13 new states following the Revolutionary War. The states just broke free of a government in which one person had all the power The new states feared a strong central government

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation No power to tax No national executive Unicameral legislature No judicial/national court No checks & balances! Result No money No enforcement of laws One vote / state unequal representation Problems with interstate relations

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation No regulation of commerce No power to maintain army Government dominated by states Need 9/13 to pass a law & unanimous consent to amend Results Economic quarrels No foreign trade No defense No unity Impossible to accomplish

Other Problems Under The New Government States were issuing their own paper money but inflation soon made it worthless Post war depression hurt small businesses and lowered prices farmers received for their crops which left farmers unable to pay debts. In Mass. farmers attacked courthouses to prevent judges from foreclosing on farmers – Shay’s Rebellion.

The Problems with the Articles of Confederation WS Directions Your groups will have 3 minutes at each station. Answer the questions on your worksheet while citing the Article of the Articles of Confederation where you found the answer. Can you find any strengths with the articles?