Articles of Confederation Our First Government

Do Now How did the colonists feel about King George III? How might these feelings affect the development of the new government?

September 19th Agenda What concerns did the citizens have as they began to live free from British rule? Describe the government formed under the Articles of Confederation. List 3 weaknesses of the new government.

Early Government The colonists faced an important question: Could they keep their new freedom and maintain order? What kind of government should they form? Almost no one wanted a powerful government. They thought that Congress was a wartime necessity. People thought of themselves as independent states, not as a nation.

Albany Plan of Union The colonists had tried to unite the states before. The Albany Plan of Union tried to create a council of representatives from each colony. Delegates would be elected by the colony’s legislature. They would be led by a president general, appointed by the king. The colonists rejected this plan. They were unwilling to give up power to a central government.

Articles of Confederation Set of laws that established a limited national government Most of the political power lay within the states. One Branch: Legislative Did the work of legislative and executive branches No judicial branch – states had their own

Weaknesses of the new government No power to tax Had to ask states for money No power to force the states to do what it wanted States could send as many representatives as it want to Congress but each state only had one vote. Any bill must have 9 votes in order to pass. It took all 13 states to approve a change to the Articles.

Concerns about a Weak Government Nationalists: a group who sought to strengthen the national government History has shown that people are not wise enough to have so much power Pointed to the Roman Empire as an example. America was a role model for the world. They did not want to symbolize political chaos

ACTIVITY In your groups, explain how each of the 5 weaknesses could endanger the new government

Exit Questions 1. What concerns did the citizens have as they began to live free from British rule? 2. Describe the government formed under the Articles of Confederation. 3. List 3 weaknesses of the new government.