Articles of Confederation

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION Once the colonies declared their independence, they had to be able to govern themselves. They agreed to work together until the war was over. They wanted each state to have power, but they needed something to hold them together ( a national government)

Articles of Confederation-What is it? 1777-Each of the 13 “states” had their own constitutions Each state could not fight the war alone, they needed each other. They formed a CONFEDERATION-a group of individuals who work together for a common purpose.

Fears of the Congress 1. They feared a strong national government with a lot of power. So they created a government that had little power. 2. Smaller states feared being dominated by the large states.

Powers Given to the Congress 1. Every state got one vote, needed 9 of 13 votes to change anything. 2. there was one branch of government (legislative-Congress) No courts, no president

Weaknesses of the Articles 1. Voting rules were too strict, hard to make changes. 2. National government couldn’t enforce laws, control trade, or tax (no money to pay for the army) 3. No one protecting the citizen’s rights 4. Unfair competition between the states. 5. There was no common currency.

Constitutional Convention In 1787, the 13 state meet again to reconsider their plan for government Met in Philadelphia in secret (didn’t want the public to know) Question?-Do we keep the Articles or do we form a new government? Needed to decide-Who will have power, the national government or the states? How will power be divided? George Washington is chosen to serve as President on the Convention