Articles of Confederation
Articles of Confederation (AoC) Articles of Confederation: the colonies first attempt to create a national government. Confederation: an alliance, league, or friendly union The A of C were started in 1775, but not officially ratified until 1781 and were used until 1787 when the US Constitution was ratified.
1. What two ideas did the A of C try to balance Central Govt: states needed a govt. powerful enough to represent all the states in issues such as war and treaties State Sovereignty: states wanted its power to make its decisions https://app.discoveryeducation.com/learn/videos /e2d69df1-b247-4ebb-92b8-6c6dfc15962b/
2) Explain the reasons why the A of C were considered weak? The central govt didn’t have an executive branch (EB) or judicial branch (JB) of govt. No EB to enforce the laws passed or veto laws. No JB to interpret the laws (make sure the laws are correct). Only a unicameral legislature. One house with each state regardless of size got one vote. Why is this an issue? Laws required 9 out of 13 states to get passed. Why is this an issue? No power to tax and states had different currencies. Interstate Commerce: could not set rules for trading between states. States could tax products from other states. Amendments (what’s that?) had to have all 13 states approve. Why is this an issue? https://app.discoveryeducation.com/learn/videos/882d5654- e792-48e2-b298-13def8d2fe6f/
In your notes draw a representation of the legislature under the A 0f C? Go back and read your notes to refresh your memory. This is not an art contest. Draw a simple picture that represents the legislature. Then draw two more simple representations of the legislature: One to show how many votes it would take to pass a bill (law) One to show how many votes it would take to pass an amendment to the A of C. Label all drawings.
3) Explain Shays’ Rebellion and why was it significant for the A of C? Some MA farmers in 1786 couldn’t pay their taxes or loans and were going to lose their farms. Daniel Shays, former CA captain, leads the farmers and takes over a MA courthouse at gunpoint. Reasoning: if courts didn’t meet, the judges couldn’t order the farmers to give up their lands.
MA asked Congress (national govt MA asked Congress (national govt.) for help, but with no money and no army they were unable to assist. Significance: states and Congress felt the govt. was too weak and couldn’t protect their own citizens. https://app.discoveryeducation.com/learn/videos /882d5654-e792-48e2-b298-13def8d2fe6f/