Lesson 8 What were the Articles of Confederation and why did some Founders want to change them?

“Founders” OR “Framers”? “Founders” were those Americans who fought for independence and established new governments. “Framers” were those who participated in the writing and ratification process of creating the Constitution. (1787-1789)

The Newly Independent States Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended Rev. War BUT- The Americans needed to start forming new governments in 1776 The states saw themselves as 13 separate countries

The Newly Independent States: Needed to cooperate for: Winning the War (funding, supplying Army) Diplomacy (relations with other countries) Dealing with land disputes (borders, Western land) So, they agreed to establish America’s 1st constitution – The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation The first constitution of the United States Proposed by the second Continental Congress in 1776 Ratified (approved) by all States Became effective March 1, 1781

The Articles of Confederation A confederation is a form of political organization in which sovereign states combine for certain specified purposes (such as defense). So that means… It is more like a treaty/organization of independent countries

What problems were addressed in the Articles of Confederation? Fear of a strong national government Influenced by history of abuse by British king Feared national government would overwhelm state governments Solution: Create a weak national government

The Articles of Confederation were created to… Establish “A firm league of friendship” among the states Each state retained “its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.”

Second problem addressed by The Articles of Confederation Fear that some states would dominate others in the national government Solution: Each state had one vote (equal representation) 9 of 13 had to agree on important matters 13 of 13 had to agree to amend the Articles

Government under Articles Unicameral (one house) Congress No independent judicial or executive branch

Powers of Confederation Congress Conduct foreign affairs Make treaties Declare war

Weaknesses of Articles of Confederation No power to collect taxes Could only request states pay their share Couldn’t pay debt from Revolutionary War

Weaknesses of Articles of Confederation Couldn’t regulate interstate commerce Congress did not have the power to enforce trade regulations between states unfair competition increased among the states  resentment, conflict, etc. couldn’t enforce trade agreements with foreign nations Effect  less foreign companies willing to do business with U.S. companies

Weaknesses of Articles of Confederation Cont. No power to enforce laws Some felt their property rights were in danger No national court system to resolve conflicts between the states It could be amended only with consent of all states

Other Problems the Gov’t. couldn’t fix: Creating Uniform Currency Possible wars between states over disagreements SO, the United States was having serious economic problems!

How did Shay’s Rebellion sow the seeds of change? Read pages 65-66 to find out!

What were the achievements of the first national government? Read page 63 to find out! Winning the Revolutionary War and concluding the Treaty of Paris Created small executive & judicial departments The Northwest Ordinance – created 5 new territories (future states – IL, OH, etc.

A Potential Crisis Spurred Calls for Change Annapolis Convention – 1786 Not well attended Decided to ask the Confederation Congress to Call a Convention in Philadelphia to propose revisions to the Articles of Confederation