1. Nation’s First Government
Ch 3 Sec 1: Goal 1.05

2. After Declaration of Independence
By 1776 many states had similar governments
Bicameral legislatures (two houses)
Many states had a bill of rights
Elected governors
Court systems
States were too small to maintain large armies for defense

3. Articles of Confederation
Second Continental Congress began forming new gov’t in 1777
Articles were ratified in 1781, considered a “league of friendship”
Confederation Congress: one house legislature where each state had one vote

4. Limits of the Articles No Power to Enforce Laws
States were afraid of a central power similar to that of England
No power to tax (but it could ask)
States wanted control over taxes so they wouldn’t feel abused again

5. Ordinance of 1785
Outlined a system of land surveying (measuring) lands that helped form and sell new settlements
We still use this method today

6. Northwest Ordinance Outlined the new organization of territories
Outlined how to become a state
Declared no slavery in the new territories
Included present-day areas of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin

7. Weaknesses of Articles
Lack of power and money
No tax collection
No power to regulate trade
No power to enforce laws
Lack of central power
No leader or group directed policy
No national court system
Rules too rigid
Could not pass laws unless at least 9 states approved
Articles could not be changed unless all 13 agreed

8. Treaty of Paris Signed in 1783, ended the American Revolutionary War
The government was left in HUGE debt to various countries with no way to collect money through the Articles
CRISIS TIME!!

9. Rebellions
Many Americans were angry over the heavy taxes imposed by states
Shay’s Rebellion:
Faced with losing his farm due to debt from taxes, Shay led 1200 farmers in rebellion against a federal arsenal
Conclusion: People were not happy.