Articles of Confederation 1781-1787 America’s First Government

Thirteen Countries Each colony became a state. Each state was really a independent country. People were loyal to their state, not one big country.

State Government Each state had its own government. More important than Congress Each state dealt with foreign countries on their own. Each state made its own money.

States Work Together Each state sends representatives to Congress. Congress helps plan and direct the War However, Congress has no power over any state.

Articles of Confederation An agreement by the states to work together. Formed a very weak central government. No judiciary (national court system) No executive branch (think King) One legislature, with little power.

Congress Each State = 1 Vote No Executive No Judicial System Citizens of Each State Elects State Gov’t NH MA RI CT NY PA NJ DE MD VA NC SC GA Congress Each State = 1 Vote No Executive No Judicial System

Why a Weak Government? Parliament and the King were strong! The colonies had rid themselves of such a government. An executive reminded them of a King, so no deal.

Problems with the Articles Congress could not tax the colonies. Each state levied its own taxes. Congress could not fix trade problems between states. Each state had only one vote It did not matter how big or how many people lived in it.

Government Gridlock To pass a law, 9 of 13 states must agree Nearly 70%!! Few laws were passed To amend (change) the Articles of Confederation, all states must agree.

Northwest Ordinance Only big success under the Articles of Confederation. All states agree to give up claims to land in the west. System is created to make new states. Three step process to statehood New states would be equal to old states.

Shay’s Rebellion Colonists in Mass. angry over high taxes. Farmers were being put in jail for not paying taxes. Farmer named Shay lead an armed rebellion. This convinces many people that the Articles needed serious revision.

The Articles of Confederation produced a weak central government. The Articles did not give Congress the power to tax! The Articles did not set up and executive branch! The Articles did not set up a judicial branch of government