Articles of Confederation Creation of the Constitution of the United States of America

Early Form of Government in the Colonies State centered governments Saw no need for central government after Revolution Wanted to exercise control over the government Articles of Confederation Only 1 branch the Legislature

Set up a national government What are they? Set up a national government Run by legislative body called Confederation Congress Left most power of government up to the states

Congressional Powers Granted to congress Denied to Congress Conduct foreign affairs Declare war and make peace Issue or borrow money Control western territories Control Indian affairs Run postal service Establish executive branch Enforce national laws Enact and collect taxes Regulate interstate or foreign trade Establish federal courts Amend the Articles

How the Articles are flawed? Economic: Could not collect taxes No central government meant the war debt was mounting Lead to states borrowing foreign money Political: Weak national government

Shay’s Rebellion People who loaned money to the states wanted their money back Started to tax citizens to get money back Farmers in the western part of Massachusetts Angry farmers rioted and headed to Springfield to take an arsenal Congress: no money to raise army, no way to force payment

Effects of Shay’s Rebellion Demonstrated the ability to defy national government Americans now saw a need for a stronger national government Second Constitutional Convention In 2 weeks they created a document that has lasted more than 200 years