Articles of Confederation

Problems with Independence 13 colonies were not united – 1/3 of the population was loyalist Each made own money and own laws, 11 had navies – VA’s was bigger than CC’s Colonies taxed other colonies to sell or transport into their borders English said the colonies would beg to be taken back

Why were the Articles of Confederation so weak? AoC writers disliked… So under the AoC… Taxation without representation The federal government could not tax A large central government that had absolute power States didn’t have to follow federal laws and treaties Having to follow British legislation States had their own laws and didn’t have to follow other states’ laws Lots of power was in the king’s hands No executive branch or national court system The king could change laws at any time Any amendment required all 13 states’ approval

What was the Problem? Since the federal government could not tax, it was very difficult to raise money Since states didn’t have to follow laws and treaties, the federal government had no assurance that individual states would follow them Each state had its own laws, which made it difficult for the country to act in a united way. Congress couldn’t pay back debts from the revolution and couldn’t get states to work together to encourage commerce.

What was the Problem? Since there was no executive branch, the government could not defend its borders. Since there was no executive branch and national court system, the government could not enforce its laws Any amendment required all 13 states’ approval, so the AoC was very difficult to modify Citizens were loyal to states not country: American Commonwealth or American Confederation or united states

Shay’s Rebellion Depression – there is no money, but a little will buy a lot; barter is used to get necessities Inflation – increase in the cost of goods either by demand, labor demand, or over expansion of money supply – there is money but it won’t buy much (1917, 5 Million Mark coin would have been worth $714.29 in Jan 1923, about 1 thousandth of one cent by Oct 1923)

John Locke Enlightened Thinker – Government was a contract with the people. Government’s purpose is protect the people’s rights to life, liberty, and property. If government fails, the people must change the government.

Massachusetts Problems Bowdion replaced Hancock as governor (Hancock did not force payment)– and wanted property taxes paid in gold or silver, not products State legislature offices had to be held by wealthy land or property owners – most merchants, no farmers (poor farmers paid most taxes) Farmers petitioned the state to fix voting by property owning males – poll tax “taxation without representation was tyranny” 30% of male population in western MA lost land or were placed in debtors prison – most veterans.

Daniel Shays Corporal to Captain in Continental Army, received sword for bravery serving with Lafayette Led Pelham farmers to close the courts so that the farmers’ petition could be addressed by state legislature (In New England 15,000+asked for help) Legislature (7 wealthy merchants would had bought soldiers script at 10% of face value, but passed a law that the state of MA would pay the face value of the script by changing tax payments to gold a silver) ruled to hire an army to put down the rebellion

Jan. 25 1787 Shay’s Regulators faced state militia – two warning shots, grapeshot killed 4 wounded 20 Shay’s hid in Vermont, two other leaders hanged for treason. 1788 shay’s was pardoned, Bowdoin was kicked out of office, new legislature cut taxes and placed a moratorium on debts. Shay’s escaped to VT, later captured sentenced to death and then pardoned.

A Little Revolution is good…… Shays’ Rebellion underlined to Washington and other American leaders the weakness of the Articles of Confederation. Although plans for a Constitutional Convention were already under way, the uprising in Massachusetts led to further calls for a stronger national government. Leaders met Philadelphia that led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in the summer of 1787.