Articles of Confederation The Critical Period Articles of Confederation

Central Government States Unitary System

Declaration of Independence We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,  laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.  Declaration of Independence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzQ5jH81bpk No more king

We need a new government Not opposed to all government, just England’s We need a new government

Second Continental Congress Adopted in 1781 First “constitution” Second Continental Congress

Central Government States confederation

Legislative branch Congress is given lawmaking powers Each state 2-7 delegates; one vote 9 of 13 states had to approve new laws Legislative branch

Powers of Congress Declare war Make peace Send ambassadors Form alliances Manage Indian affairs Establish post offices Coin money Regulate trade with other countries Borrow money Determine size and use of army and navy Powers of Congress

Powers Denied to Congress Require payment of taxes Control trade between states Make the states work together Powers Denied to Congress

States’ rights Have its own constitution Organize its won armed forces Print its own money Hold complete control over all affairs within the state Make treaties with Indians, other states and foreign countries Have all powers not given to congress States’ rights

Weaknesses

No Executive or Judicial

Difficult to pass laws

Unanimous approval Amendments

Congress never had enough money 40 million dollar war debt Could borrow money Could ask for taxes, but couldn’t force states to pay Congress never had enough money

States fought with each other

Why would they create a government that was so weak?

Successes

Won the war

Land Ordinance 1785

Northwest Ordinance 1787

5,000 males – create territory 60,000 residents – apply for statehood Assured that we would grow as a nation, not as an empire