Constitution – A document that establishes laws and structure or a framework for the government. Articles of Confederation (first constitution)– passed by Congress in 1777 and ratified by all 13 states in 1781.

Articles of Confederation Weak document Founding Fathers wanted a national government that was not overpowering and gave the states plenty of power and freedom. We had just gotten rid of an overpowering government in Britain. They wanted to ensure that our national government did not have too much power. National government power States’ power

After the war, land Northwest of the original 13 states was put into the hands of the National government. Congress sold the land to private citizens in 6 mile x 6 mile square plots. This area North of the Ohio river around the Great Lakes became known as the Northwest Territory.

Land Ordinance of 1785 This law divided up the Northwest Territory into 6 mile square plots and sold it to private citizens.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 This law governed the Northwest Territory. Abolished slavery in the area Set up public schools Gave people a chance to elect representative assemblies 60,000 people – could become a state Freedom of religion Trial by jury

Shays’s Rebellion Farmers rebelled over high taxes in Massachusetts Their farms were being auctioned off to pay their debts Daniel Shays led a group of farmers marching on a federal arsenal State militia quickly defeated the uprising, but what if they had not been able to?

Characteristics of Articles Treaty of Paris Governed the nation during Revolution No uniform currency or U.S. money Land Ordinance of 1785 No Executive Branch or President to enforce laws Northwest Ordinance of 1787 Lack of a court system or Judicial Branch Lack of a national military All 13 states had to agree before changes could be made to the Articles.

More characteristics Could not make states pay taxes Could not regulate trade between states

Strengths of Articles Governed the Nation during Rev. War Treaty of Paris Land Ordinance of 1785 Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Weaknesses of Articles Could not enforce laws (No Executive or President) Could not make states pay taxes Could not regulate trade among states All 13 states had to agree before changes could be made to the Articles No uniform currency or money – every state had their own money No National military No Judicial Branch (No Courts)