1. Ch. 7 Sect. 1 The Articles of Confederation pp. 186-193
A More Perfect Union
Ch. 7 Sect. 1 The Articles of Confederation pp

2. From Independent States to a Republic
States needed to establish their own constitutions
Didn’t want too much power in the hands of a single ruler
Established two-house bicameral legislatures where white males and some free Africans over 21 could vote

3. Forming a Republic—Articles of Confederation approved 1781
Most wanted a republic but favored a weak central gov’t—In Nov Articles of Confederation became first U. S. constitution
States gave up little of their power
Central gov’t could conduct foreign affairs, have an army, borrow and issue money—but couldn’t regulate trade, impose taxes or make soldiers join the army

4. Land Policies Land Ordinance of 1785
Established a procedure for surveying (divided into townships) and selling western land
Northwest Ordinance 1787
Divided land into present day Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan & Wisconsin
When population reached 60,000 could apply as a state

5. Northwest Territory
Five states created: Ohio, Indiana Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin
Maps.com

6. Territories after Treaty of Paris 1783
All territory east of Mississippi River except for Florida

7. Trouble on Two Fronts Financial Problems
Money printed during the war depreciated
Large war debt left by the Continental Congress

8. Problems with Britain and Spain
Britain continued to occupy forts in the Great Lakes and kept Am. Merchants out of the West Indies
Spain closed lower Miss. R to Am shipping
GW—described the gov’t as “little more than a shadow without substance”