3. Purpose of the Declaration
To announce to the world that the colonies were a new, independent nation
To explain and justify the reasons that the united colonies had decided to become the United States to become the United States of America

4. The 4 Parts of the Declaration
Preamble (Introduction)
A theory of government
A list of grievances against the King
A formal resolution declaring independence from and war against Great Britain

5. The Declaration of Independence: Key Ideas of Government
People have natural rights, including the rights to “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Governments receive their power to govern “from the consent of the governed” by social contract or compact in which the government agrees to protect the people’s natural right.
When a government fails to protect and respect those rights, it is the “Right of the People to alter or to abolish” that government.

6. Effects of the American Revolution
States draft new constitutions emphasizing limitations on governmental power
Great Britain recognizes the United States as an Independent nation
Ideals of the Revolution influence events in other parts of the world
Ideas of freedom and natural rights inspire some people to begin opposing slavery
Traditional ideas about female social roles are re-examined

7. Articles of Confederation
1st Constitution of the United States
Proposed by Second Continental Congress in 1777
Ratified in 1781 after all 13 states approved it.

8. Articles of Confederation: Overview
Reflected the colonists’ fear of a strong central government and the desire of individual states to protect their powers.
As a result, the Articles of Confederation created a weak national government.

9. Articles of Confederation: An Alliance of Independent States
Created a confederation among the 13 states
The Articles resembled a treaty among the states rather than a plan of centralized government.
A confederation is an alliance among independent states in which the states give as much power as they choose to the central government, while keeping the greater part of the power and remaining sovereign.

10. Articles of Confederation: Powers of the National Government
War and Diplomacy
Establishment of a Federal System
Western Lands… Northwest Ordinance

11. Articles of Confederation: Powers of Congress
Established a unicameral (one-house) Congress
Each state had One vote
2/3 of the States were required to pass legislation
An Amendment to the Articles required a unanimous vote by the states (13 votes)

12. Articles of Confederation: Powers of Congress
Delegated Powers Included:
The conduct of wars, making treaties, and exchanging ambassadors with other nations
Coining of money and regulating its value
Establishing and regulating post offices
Appointment of military officers
Regulation of Indian Affairs
Settlement, on appeal, of disputes between states

13. Articles of Confederation: Achievements
Successful conclusion of the American Revolution
Negotiation of the Treaty of Paris of 1783, ending the war and setting the United States border at the Mississippi River
Passage of the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

14. Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Set the pattern by which new states could join the nation
Prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory

15. Articles of Confederation: GUARENTEED THEY WILL BE ON THE REGENTS EXAM
***Weaknesses***
GET TO KNOW THESE WEAKNESSES…
GUARENTEED THEY WILL BE ON THE REGENTS EXAM

16. STATES HAVE THE MOST POWER
No executive officer to carry out laws of Congress
No National Courts. Only State Courts exist
States Supreme Over National Government
9 out of 13 states have to approve a law
Congress has no power to tax
Congress can’t regulate trade among states
Each state coins its own money. No national currency

18. Questions to Consider…
Why did the Articles of Confederation create a weak national government?
Why was the period under the Articles of Confederation called the “critical period”?