The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation The Articles were written in 1777 by John Dickinson, a Penn. statesman The Articles were accepted by Congress in 1781 and is considered the first national constitution

The Articles of Confederation The fear of having too much power in one person’s hands reflects the experiences the colonies had under a monarchy In the Articles the state governments limit the power of the national Congress

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Congress had no power to raise taxes Congress had no power regulate foreign or state trade Laws had to be approved by 9 out of 13 states Congress did not have the power to enforce laws

Strengths of the Articles of Confederation The Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed The Northwest Ordinance was past Had the power to declare war and peace, print money, make treaties and settle state disputes

Reasons for Shays’ Rebellion Farmers are required to pay debts in gold, they have no money because they were not paid during the war Wealthy lawmakers invested their money in the war too. And seek to get money from the farmers debts

Shays’ Rebellion Poor farmers are not represented in the Mass legislature and cannot pass debt relief laws The rebellion will free debtors from prisons and close courts that are hearing cases against farmers

Shays’ Rebellion The Mass militia is called out to stop it Poor farmers in 1791 elect officials who support their stance and will close courthouses and demand financial help from the Congress Shays’ Rebellion will prompt national leaders to create a stronger central government

Samuel Adams Said What?! “Rebellion against a king may be pardoned, or lightly punished, but the man who dares to rebel against the laws of a republic ought to suffer death”

Views about Shay's Rebellion Adams will also write a law called the Riot Act, which prohibits 12 people or more from meeting and gives the government the power to shoot rioters! Samuel sure has changed since 1776!

Thomas Jefferson Said What?! "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government. God forbid that we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion."