The Articles of Confederation

The Structure of the Articles of Confederation A simple government was set up by the Articles. A Congress was the only branch. It was unicameral (only 1 chamber or house). Each state had one delegate chosen by the state legislature. Every year, a presiding officer was chosen by Congress (a chairperson, NOT a President)

Strengths of the Articles of Confederation Build an army & navy Make treaties Borrow money Settle disputes among the states Provided freedom to all states

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation One vote each state regardless of size Powerless to raise & collect taxes No executive to enforce acts of Congress No national court system 9/13 majority to pass laws Could not regulate foreign trade/ interstate commerce Amendment with the consent of all states All in all, the national government was not given enough power!

Analysis Activity and Exit Ticket Work on the graphic organizer, “Problems of the Confederation”. Before we leave, synthesize the information by responding to this prompt as an exit ticket, “How were the Articles of Confederation unfit for addressing the problems inherent in the new nation?”