Confederation to Constitution, Why Was A New Constitution Needed? We the People, Lesson 10

The Articles of Confederation: ( ) the Founding Fathers were afraid of a strong national government under the Articles of Confederation, the state governments held the majority of power (national government was very weak) The Articles of Confederation were replaced w/the U.S. Constitution

I. The Creation of the Articles of Confederation List two fears that the Founders had to deal with when deciding what type of national government should be created in the United States. 1. a powerful central (national) government might become oppressive like King George 2. some states in national government might have enough political power to dominate (control) the others As a result of their fears, what type of national government did the Founders create? weak

Who kept most of the power of government? states Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had the power to: wage war, declare peace, sign treaties, & issue money

II. Achievements under the Articles of Confederation ACHIEVEMENTS 1. won independence from Great Britain (conducted the American Revolution) 2. negotiated the Treaty of Paris to end the American Revolution PROBLEMS 1. Congress had no money & no power to issue TAXES. States didn’t pay their share of government expenses. 2. Congress had no power over state governments to enforce laws.

II. Achievements under the Articles of Confederation, cont. ACHIEVEMENTS 3. Each state recognized laws of other states & could travel freely 4. Passed the Northwest Ordinance (most important law passed under the Articles of Confederation) PROBLEMS 3. Could not make states live up to trade agreements with other nations. People in foreign countries unwilling to trade with U.S. 4. Congress could not protect citizens from unfair treatment by states 5. Congress could not prevent unfair competition among states (trade decreased, people lost jobs)

The Northwest Ordinance gave the people in the northwestern lands the following rights: 1. organize their own governments & be admitted as states (when enough people lived there) 2. public education 3. slavery outlawed 4. freedom of religion 5. trial by jury 6. due process of law

III. Shay’s Rebellion: convinced Americans it was time for a change in government What were some difficult financial situations faced by Americans in 1786? 1. businesses failed 2. trade suffered 3. many people in debt 4. Revolutionary soldier still not paid

What were the economic problems faced by farmers in Massachusetts? 1. crop prices were low 2. farmers could not pay debts 3. many lost farms and homes (to pay debts) 4. Revolutionary soldiers still not paid What had put the farmers in debt? new state taxes Why did the farmers close down local courts? keep states from taking their farms

Why did Daniel Shay and other farmers try to capture the state militia’s arsenal? for weapons to use in rebellion against state governments Why was the national government unable to put down the rebellion? it had no troops to send out!!! Why did states send delegates to a convention in Philadelphia? to revise (change) the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation: ( ) the Founding Fathers were afraid of a strong national government under the Articles of Confederation, the state governments held the majority of power (national government was very weak) The Articles of Confederation were replaced w/the U.S. Constitution