Building the New Nation: The Articles of Confederation

WHY DON’T WE STILL LIVE IN A COUNTRY BASED ON THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION? KEY QUESTION

CONFEDERATION AND THE CONSTITUTION – SECTION 3 After the Revolution, many favored a Republic After the Revolution, many favored a Republic Some supported a strong federal government (Federalists) while others favored states rights (Anti-Federalists) Some supported a strong federal government (Federalists) while others favored states rights (Anti-Federalists)

The Colonies Become States A. Power From the People: Ratification Conventions Replace Royal Control

State Constitutions Began drafting them in 1776 Began drafting them in 1776 Ratified by special conventions Ratified by special conventions All based on REPUBLICANISM All based on REPUBLICANISM Power of the people Power of the people Contracts that defined powers of government Contracts that defined powers of government Bills of Rights Bills of Rights Power to legislatures, would be elected each year Power to legislatures, would be elected each year

Economic Changes Economic Changes ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY: Former land belonging to king or loyalists redistributed. ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY: Former land belonging to king or loyalists redistributed. Positives: More manufacturing, more trade with foreign nations. Positives: More manufacturing, more trade with foreign nations. Negatives: Commerce with Britain cut off, speculation and profiteering, debt, INFLATION! Negatives: Commerce with Britain cut off, speculation and profiteering, debt, INFLATION! Economic and social atmosphere unhealthy. Economic and social atmosphere unhealthy.

States Create a National Government A. The Articles of Confederation Aim to Avoid Tyranny

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION The Second Continental Congress issued a set of laws called the Articles of Confederation in 1781 Gave states one vote each in Congress regardless of population of state Split power between National Government and State

What are some basic facts about the Articles of Confederation? Written by John Dickinson and adopted by the 2 nd Continental Congress. Written by John Dickinson and adopted by the 2 nd Continental Congress. Adopted by all 13 states in March Adopted by all 13 states in March st governing document of the U.S. 1 st governing document of the U.S.

Trying to Establish a Union: Difficulties: People suspicious of authority, not a lot of unity, confusion, hard times after the war. Difficulties: People suspicious of authority, not a lot of unity, confusion, hard times after the war. Signs of hope: Colonies had similar governments, and philosophies about government. Great leaders too-Washington, Hamilton, Madison etc. Signs of hope: Colonies had similar governments, and philosophies about government. Great leaders too-Washington, Hamilton, Madison etc.

Agreeing to the Articles of Confederation Conflict over how to deal with new western lands. Conflict over how to deal with new western lands. Finally unanimously approved in 1781—when Congress agreed land would be used for “common benefit” and would be turned into states. Finally unanimously approved in 1781—when Congress agreed land would be used for “common benefit” and would be turned into states.

“The Articles of Confusion” Very weak confederation. Very weak confederation. Mainly just legislative branch—no executive, courts mainly in states. Mainly just legislative branch—no executive, courts mainly in states. Weaknesses: Weaknesses: Difficult to pass laws—needed 9 states, 13 to amend Difficult to pass laws—needed 9 states, 13 to amend Could not regulate commerce Could not regulate commerce Couldn’t enforce tax collection Couldn’t enforce tax collection BASICALLY—NATIONAL GOVERNMENT HAD NO POWER OVER THE STATES! BASICALLY—NATIONAL GOVERNMENT HAD NO POWER OVER THE STATES!

Importance of Articles of Confederation Steppingstone to present Constitution. Steppingstone to present Constitution. Clearly outlined powers of central government. Clearly outlined powers of central government. First national written constitution—held the states together until they were ready for a more powerful Constitution. First national written constitution—held the states together until they were ready for a more powerful Constitution.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION America’s first Constitution America’s first Constitution Established National governments ability to wage war, sign treaties, coin money, run post office Established National governments ability to wage war, sign treaties, coin money, run post office Land Ordinance of 1785 – made land parcels small & affordable Land Ordinance of 1785 – made land parcels small & affordable Northwest Ordinance of 1787 – set requirement for states Northwest Ordinance of 1787 – set requirement for states

B. Successes and Failures 1. Success: Winning the War and Signing the Paris Peace Treaty

States Under Northwest Ordinance Settling the issue of land was the success of the Articles. Settling the issue of land was the success of the Articles.

Land Reform THE ACHIEVMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION THE ACHIEVMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION Land Ordinance of 1785—Provided method for dividing up and selling land in Old Northwest. Provided parcel for education. Land Ordinance of 1785—Provided method for dividing up and selling land in Old Northwest. Provided parcel for education. Northwest Ordinance of 1787—provided ways for territories to become states. Also, forbade slavery in Old Northwest. Northwest Ordinance of 1787—provided ways for territories to become states. Also, forbade slavery in Old Northwest.

2. Success: Land Ordinance of 1785 & the Northwest Ordinance

What were the problems or weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? 1) Congress could not levy or collect taxes 2) Each state had only one vote in congress regardless of population. 3) 9 out of 13 states had to agree to pass any laws 4) Articles could only be amended if all states approved 5) There was no executive branch to enforce laws 6) No national court system 7) National Government could not draft troops 8) 13 separate states that lacked a national identity.

Weaknesses of Articles: Problems with Foreign Relations Tensions with England—wouldn’t send minister, wouldn’t trade fairly, kept trading posts in North—used to harass settlers and keep them from attacking Canada. Tensions with England—wouldn’t send minister, wouldn’t trade fairly, kept trading posts in North—used to harass settlers and keep them from attacking Canada. Congress under the Articles could do nothing to hurt British. Congress under the Articles could do nothing to hurt British. Spanish control of Mississippi was also causing problems. Spanish control of Mississippi was also causing problems. Pirates from North Africa. Pirates from North Africa. Trade suffered Trade suffered All of this showed need for stronger central government. All of this showed need for stronger central government.

External Problems & Threats Diplomatic Humiliation Diplomatic Humiliation British forts in the Northwest British forts in the Northwest British navy remains in American waters British navy remains in American waters Unpaid foreign (British) debt Unpaid foreign (British) debt Spain closed Mississippi River & port of New Orleans Spain closed Mississippi River & port of New Orleans Spanish & British encouraging Indians to fight settlers Spanish & British encouraging Indians to fight settlers Inability to pass/ratify treaties Inability to pass/ratify treaties

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

Shay’s Rebellion and the Need for Stronger Government Lots of economic problems in 1780s. Lots of economic problems in 1780s. Couldn’t control commerce—states making own tariffs, printing money—all out of hand! Couldn’t control commerce—states making own tariffs, printing money—all out of hand! Shay’s Rebellion Shay’s Rebellion Backcountry farmers, in debt Backcountry farmers, in debt Wanted states to print money, lighten taxes, help them keep property. Wanted states to print money, lighten taxes, help them keep property. Massachusetts raised army and crushed rebellion. Massachusetts raised army and crushed rebellion.

What event highlighted the problems of the Articles of Confederation? Shays Rebellion Shays Rebellion - A 1786 revolt in Western Massachusetts prompted leading Americans to conclude that the country’s government had to be changed. - A ragtag army of two-thousand farmers armed with pitchforks marched on county courthouses to prevent foreclosure on their property. (Their leader Daniel Shay was a captain in the Revolutionary army.) - The Governor of Massachusetts was asked to put down the rebellion, he asked congress for help, but it had no army to send.

3. Failure: Shays’ Rebellion and a Weak National Government

A Desire for Change Many fear effects of Shay’s Rebellion—esp. wealthy, conservative Many fear effects of Shay’s Rebellion—esp. wealthy, conservative Jefferson was an exception Jefferson was an exception “The tree of Liberty …..” “The tree of Liberty …..” Wanted stronger central government. Wanted stronger central government. Many begin to clamor for new Constitution. Many begin to clamor for new Constitution.

Response to Shays Rebellion? Annapolis Convention (Late 1786) Annapolis Convention (Late 1786) - Met to address the crisis. (5 states met) - They did not reach an agreement, but urged congress to authorize a Constitutional Convention. - Congress did authorize the convention but placed a restriction on it, the delegates were to meet for: “The sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.”

What was the Constitutional Convention? Met in the summer of 1787, in Philadelphia. Met in the Old Pennsylvania Met in the summer of 1787, in Philadelphia. Met in the Old Pennsylvania State House. (Where the Declaration of Independence was signed) Delegates actually came up with a new structure for the U.S. Government.

CREATING A NEW GOVERNMENT The delegates at the Constitutional Convention realized the need to strengthen the central government They soon decided to create an entirely new Constitution instead of amending the Articles Compromise was the order of the day “ Compromise”

How did the Constitution address the problems of the Articles of Confederation? 1) Congress given power to tax 2) 2 Houses created (1 based on population/1 based on statehood) 3) Simple majority is needed to pass laws 4) 2/3 from both houses and ¾ of states needed to amend the Constitution. 5) Executive branch created 6) Judicial branch created 7) Allowed to raise an army 8) National Law is supreme law of the land and a more unified country emerges.

Multiple Choice Practice Among the important changes brought about by the American Revolution was Among the important changes brought about by the American Revolution was A. the abolition of slavery in all the states. B. a strong movement toward equality of property rights. C. the increasing separation of church and state. D. full equality and voting rights for women. A major new political innovation that emerged in the Revolutionary era was A. the abolition of slavery in all the states. B. a strong movement toward equality of property rights. C. the increasing separation of church and state. D. full equality and voting rights for women. A major new political innovation that emerged in the Revolutionary era was A. the election of legislative representatives capable of voting on taxation. B. the shifting of power from the legislative to the executive branch of government. C. the idea of a written constitution drafted by a convention and ratified by direct vote of the people. D. the regulation of land sales by the courts. A. the election of legislative representatives capable of voting on taxation. B. the shifting of power from the legislative to the executive branch of government. C. the idea of a written constitution drafted by a convention and ratified by direct vote of the people. D. the regulation of land sales by the courts.

The primary political obstacle to the formation of the first American government under the Articles of Confederation was The primary political obstacle to the formation of the first American government under the Articles of Confederation was A. disputes among the jealous states over control of western lands. B. disagreement over the relative power of Congress and the executive branch. C. conflict over the right of Congress to regulate trade and manufacturing. D. conflict over slavery between northern and southern states. The greatest weakness of the government under the Articles of Confederation was that A. disputes among the jealous states over control of western lands. B. disagreement over the relative power of Congress and the executive branch. C. conflict over the right of Congress to regulate trade and manufacturing. D. conflict over slavery between northern and southern states. The greatest weakness of the government under the Articles of Confederation was that A. it was unable to deal with the issue of western lands. B. it had no power to regulate commerce or collect taxes from the sovereign states. C. it had no power to establish relations with foreign governments. D. the legislative branch was unable to cope with the powerful executive branch. A. it was unable to deal with the issue of western lands. B. it had no power to regulate commerce or collect taxes from the sovereign states. C. it had no power to establish relations with foreign governments. D. the legislative branch was unable to cope with the powerful executive branch.

B. Powers to the People: Weak Governors, Annual Elections, and Bills of Rights

II. “All Men Are Created Equal” – But States Define Equality A. Gradual Emancipation of Northern Slaves & The Persistence of Racial Inequality VTPAMANHCTRINYNJ Official end of slavery Actual end of slavery 1777c

Evidence of Equality After the Revolutionary War: After the Revolutionary War: Reduction of property requirements for voting Reduction of property requirements for voting Social hierarchies less defined (Mr. and Ms. example) Social hierarchies less defined (Mr. and Ms. example) White servitude eliminated by 1800 White servitude eliminated by 1800 Growth of trade organizations Growth of trade organizations More separation of church and state, more religious freedom More separation of church and state, more religious freedom Growth of anti-slavery sentiment—Quakers form anti-slavery society, abolished in some Northern states Growth of anti-slavery sentiment—Quakers form anti-slavery society, abolished in some Northern states

An Incomplete Equality No Southern states abolished slavery No Southern states abolished slavery Discriminatory laws against blacks—free and slave Discriminatory laws against blacks—free and slave Women—no political rights, still limited to women’s work. Women—no political rights, still limited to women’s work.

Democratic State Legislatures More participation from people in poorer Western districts. More participation from people in poorer Western districts. Move of state capitals West. Move of state capitals West.

WEAKNESSES OF THE ARTICLE OF CONFEDERATION Congress could not collect taxes Each state had one vote regardless of population No executive branch No national court system Nine of thirteen states needed to agree to pass any law Lacked national unity Weak Central Gov’t

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

No power to tax No power to tax No power to raise an army No power to raise an army No leader to conduct foreign policy No leader to conduct foreign policy

SHAY’S REBELLION An event that highlighted the weakness of the Central (National) government was Shay’s Rebellion An event that highlighted the weakness of the Central (National) government was Shay’s Rebellion Farmers in western Massachusetts rose up in protest over increased taxes Farmers in western Massachusetts rose up in protest over increased taxes Daniel Shay led 1,200 farmers toward the arsenal in Springfield Daniel Shay led 1,200 farmers toward the arsenal in Springfield The event caused alarm throughout the republic The event caused alarm throughout the republic 1787