Articles of Confederation

Independence Hall

Why was a revision of the Articles of Confederation necessary? (H4a) Essential Question: Why was a revision of the Articles of Confederation necessary? (H4a)

Activating Strategy George Washington called the Articles of Confederation “a half-starved, limping government.” What do you think he meant by this? Why was it “half-starved” or who was starving it? (Think back to the causes of the Revolutionary War)

Articles of Confederation Articles were originally written with a strong central government, but many states opposed this? Why? They had finally won their independence and they didn’t want to give it away to a controlling national government The Articles went into effect March 1, 1781 The Articles set up a weak national government and gave individual states a lot of authority over their own affairs The Articles specified that any power not expressly given to Congress belonged to the states The students do not have to know this information. Use this slide as introductory talking points. Each statement appears separately when the mouse is clicked so it is not overwhelming all at once.

Although the essential question indicates that the Articles of Confederation were ineffective, the Articles did have some strengths. What do you think were strengths of the Articles of Confederation? (Think back to the Revolutionary War and the government before Independence)

Articles of Confederation: Strengths The Articles set up a republican form of government where citizens elect people to represent them The Articles established self-government under a written document (Why would a written document be important?) Students write the Strengths in their graphic organizer.

Articles of Confederation: Weaknesses Congress could not collect taxes, leaving the country unable to pay debts or soldiers Congress could not regulate trade (therefore, states fought over interstate trade issues) Congress could make laws, but it could not force states to follow them Students write the Weaknesses in their graphic organizer. They may need to shorten some of them to fit. Congress could not enforce laws

Articles of Confederation: Weaknesses The Articles only gave each state one vote, regardless of population The Articles provided for a unicameral system; there was only a legislative branch of government, not an executive or judicial branch (Why was this a problem?) Students write the Weaknesses in their graphic organizer. They may need to shorten some of them to fit.

Articles of Confederation: Weaknesses Congress could not raise an army without the states’ permission Congress could not pass a law without 9 of the 13 colonies agreeing Too much power was given to the states and not enough power given to the federal government Students write the Weaknesses in their graphic organizer. They may need to shorten some of them to fit.

Articles of Confederation Document Examination Document 1 – Census of 1790 Document 2 – Currency Document 3 – Legislature Request Document 4 - Commerce These documents can be done in small groups, individually, or as a class. Each student should receive an Articles of Confederation Document Examination sheet to fill in as they are examining these documents. The questions for each document are intended to be higher order thinking questions; therefore, if students are not allowed to work in groups where they can discuss answers, then the teacher may need to give additional assistance.

Articles of Confederation Summarizing Strategy Students can choose between two summarizing strategies. One option is a Baggage Slip. Students identify the “baggage” of the Articles of Confederation. (See Slide 13) The second option is a Recipe Card. Students create a recipe for the Articles of Confederation. (See Slide 14).

Identify the “baggage” of the Articles of Confederation Identify the “baggage” of the Articles of Confederation. Write your “baggage” in the baggage slip.

Articles of Confederation Recipe Ingredients: Steps: After the lesson, students can compare the Georgia Constitution of 1777 and the Articles of Confederation using one of two documents: A New Nation sheet or Venn Diagram