The Articles of Confederation 1777-1789

Structure of The Articles of Confederation The National Government Unicameral (single chamber) Congress No Executive Branch or President No Federal Courts, Congress settled problems between states. Each state had one vote in the Unicameral Congress.

Each States’ congresses controlled who represented the state Each States’ congresses controlled who represented the state. Not the voters. The Unicameral Congress only had power expressly given by the Articles. (mainly lawmaking) All other powers were held by the states.

Success of the Articles Established the policy for lands west of the Appalachians. Land Ordinance 1785: set up a system for surveying & dividing public territory (into squares!)

Northwest Ordinance 1787: territories would be able to establish statehood in the future. Population needed to reach 60,000 Required public education be set up Slavery prohibited (guess who proposed this!?) “Northwest Territory”: Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana

Weaknesses of the Articles Congress could not enact and collect taxes. Congress could not regulate interstate or foreign trade. Congress had no control over the printing of money – caused massive inflation! Regardless of population, each state had only one vote in Congress.

“Dis-United States” • Articles could be amended only if ALL states approved. Could only request troops from states to maintain army. • There were 13 separate states that lacked national unity. “Dis-United States”

Shays' Rebellion- angry farmers take weapons and burned down banks that held record of their debt. What can Massachusetts do?

Well…that didn’t work. Annapolis Convention (1786) was called to discuss fixing Articles. All states were invited, only 5 sent delegates. Problem? Try again! -- this time in Philadelphia Constitutional Convention (1787)