1. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

2. Articles of Confederation (America’s First “Constitution”)
Created a league of friendship between the 13 new states following the Revolutionary War.
The states just broke free of a government in which one person had all the power
The new states feared a strong central government

3. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
No power to tax
No national executive
Unicameral legislature
No judicial/national court
No checks & balances!
Result
No money
No enforcement of laws
One vote / state
unequal representation
Problems with interstate
relations

4. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
No regulation of commerce
No power to maintain army
Government dominated by
states
Need 9/13 to pass a law &
unanimous consent to amend
Results
Economic quarrels
No foreign trade
No defense
No unity
Impossible to accomplish

5. Other Problems Under The New Government
States were issuing their own paper money but inflation soon made it worthless
Post war depression hurt small businesses and lowered prices farmers received for their crops which left farmers unable to pay debts.
In Mass. farmers attacked courthouses to prevent judges from foreclosing on farmers –
Shay’s Rebellion.

6. The Problems with the Articles of Confederation WS Directions
Your groups will have 3 minutes at each station.
Answer the questions on your worksheet while citing the Article of the Articles of Confederation where you found the answer.
Can you find any strengths with the articles?