The Articles of Confederation The Continental Congress planned a written agreement of government; it was called the Articles of Confederation. Created a loose “Confederation” of States States were basically free to do as they wished, came together for a few, common purposes.

John Hanson, American Patriot and First President of the United States (sort of) (1715-1783)                

Pre-Washington Presidents Elias Boudinot (1783) Thomas Mifflin (1784) Richard Henry Lee (1785) Nathan Gorman (1786) Arthur St. Clair (1787) Cyrus Griffin (1788) These men were presidents of Congress, there was no executive branch.

Government under the Articles                   1 house legislature 9/13 states to make a law 13/13 states to amend a law Tried to handle all foreign affairs and raise an army

Major Weaknesses The national government under the Articles was weak and ineffective. Congress could not collect taxes (America could not pay off war debts) Congress could not enforce its laws No national court system Too hard to change a law

Who is he?

Shays Rebellion In 1786 1200 Farmers led by Daniel Shays marched on the federal arsenal in Springfield MASS. They were angry because their farms were being repossessed to pay off government debts (F&I) The government could not stop this until 1787

Why is Shays Important? The rebellion demonstrated the importance of the power of the national government and the need to maintain order. Delegates began to meet in Philadelphia to discuss business. They need to fix the Articles or risk another revolution