The Articles of Confederation The 1 st Government of the United States of America

Background The Colonies needed a government during the Revolution This all took place while fighting the British Many of the ideas were taken from British law, but democratic and republican ideals were added

The States Form New Governments The states started the process Most states liked the system they already had, but wanted them to be more democratic –Different Branches with Different Powers? –Include a Bill of Rights? –Representation?

Articles of Confederation Plan for Government used during the Revolution, passed in 1777 by the Continental Congress –Weak National Government Power to wage war, make peace, sign treaties, and issue money –Strong State Governments Power to tax, and enforce the law What kind of problems may arise in this situation?

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Strengths –Worked during the Revolution –Treaty of Paris –Land Ordinance 1785 –NW Ordinance 1787 Weaknesses –Can’t enforce law –Can’t levy taxes –Can’t regulate trade –All 13 states must agree to change the Articles of Confederation

Shay’s Rebellion Mid 1780’s- States needed money, so they raised taxes, sometimes taxes were higher then peoples’ wages Farmers in Massachusetts asked for lower taxes, but the state refused, and the farmers rebelled –Daniel Shays lead the rebellion –In January ,500 farmers attacked 900 militia at an arsenal in Massachusetts –The farmers were defeated, but Shays’ Rebellion showed that the National and State governments were not very strong

So if the Articles Don’t Work….What do we do now? After Shays Rebellion the Continental Congress had a choice –Do we amend the Articles, or do we start over and form a new government? –In either case the National Government needed to be strengthened to fix many of the country’s problems Ultimately this meeting would tear up the Articles of Confederation, and write the Constitution!