Articles of Confederation The Critical Period

Articles of Confederation A result of the Second Continental Congress A result of the Second Continental Congress November 15, 1777 finally approved November 15, 1777 finally approved The ratification (formal approval) did not take place until The ratification (formal approval) did not take place until 1781.

Government Structure Unicameral Congress that handled all 3 powers of government Unicameral Congress that handled all 3 powers of government States were obligated to supply funds and troops requested by congress, treat other citizens fairly, and agree with public acts of other states. States were obligated to supply funds and troops requested by congress, treat other citizens fairly, and agree with public acts of other states. States retained all powers not explicitly given to Congress. States retained all powers not explicitly given to Congress.

Weaknesses One vote for each state. One vote for each state. What’s the problem? What’s the problem? Size matters Size matters

Weaknesses Congress powerless to lay and collect taxes or duties. Congress powerless to lay and collect taxes or duties. Tax free sounds good to me! Tax free sounds good to me! What’s the problem? What’s the problem?

Weaknesses Congress powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce. Congress powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce. States Rights! States Rights! What’s the problem? What’s the problem?

Weaknesses No executive to enforce acts of Congress No executive to enforce acts of Congress Freedom to the people! Freedom to the people! What’s the problem? What’s the problem?

Weaknesses No national court system. No national court system. We are free at last! We are free at last! What’s the problem? What’s the problem?

Weaknesses Amendment only with consent of all states. Amendment only with consent of all states. States rights! States rights! What’s the problem? What’s the problem?

Weaknesses A 9/13 majority required to pass laws. A 9/13 majority required to pass laws. No laws! No laws! What’s the problem? What’s the problem?

Weaknesses Articles only a “firm league of friendship” Articles only a “firm league of friendship” Can’t we all just get along? Can’t we all just get along? What’s the problem? What’s the problem?