Articles of Confederation And the Constitution

Articles of Confederation Started in 1777 It was a plan to join the states together It gave the 13 states a plan for government The articles were popular because it did not make the national government too strong It was approved by all 13 states in 1781

T- Chart (Articles of Confed.) States have the most power No president State courts only- no national courts Congress has no power to tax Congress cannot regulate trade among states States have own money No military No treaties with other countries States all had to agree to changes

The Convention 55 delegates attended Held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1787 Well-educated men George Washington was the leader Delegates were important people from the other states They shared the same ideas about the government

Security at the Convention Doors to the State House were guarded Only delegates were allowed inside They were not allowed to discuss things with outsiders Their meetings were private and secret from the public

What were they trying to do? The delegates were trying to revise the Articles of Confederation; a new plan of government was needed 9 out of 13 states had to approve it On September 17, 1787 the delegates agreed and signed the Constitution

Constitution (T-Chart) States have some power, most power given to nat. govt President Military w/ president in charge National and state courts Laws passed by majority vote of both houses of Congress Congress has power to tax Congress has power to regulate interstate and foreign trade National Money Bill of Rights