1. The Articles of Confederation
Characteristics, Strengths and Weaknesses
March 1781 – March 1789

2. The Articles of Confederation
* An agreement among the thirteen original states that served as the United States’ first constitution and established the United States as a confederation of sovereign states!
Confederation Congress
State Government
* Confederation: an alliance of ind. states that come together for a common purpose

3. The Confederation Congress
Characteristics
Strengths
Weaknesses
1.) Unicameral
Legislature
* Legislation can be proposed and passed rapidly
* A second chamber cannot ‘check’ the first’s attempts to pass unfavorable legislation

4. The Confederation Congress
Characteristics
Strengths
Weaknesses
2.) Governing
authority rested
solely in the
LEGISLATURE
No oppressive
executive (think – why?)
* Ensured concept of representative government (people and states)
* No executive power to enforce decisions of Congress *
* No executive power to provide ‘check’ on Congress
* Lack of clear leadership
* No national judiciary *

5. The Confederation Congress
Characteristics
Strengths
Weaknesses
3.) Each delegate was
appointed by the
state they
represented (by
the state legislature)
* Ensured that delegates were representative of the states interests (what influence on today?)
* Prevented delegates from using compromise as a political tool

6. The Confederation Congress
Characteristics
Strengths
Weaknesses
4.) Each state
delegation
received one vote
* States had equal representation in Congress (what influence on today?)
* Larger states had no more influence than smaller states

7. What Congress COULD NOT DO
What Congress COULD DO
What Congress COULD NOT DO
1.) Request and borrow money
from the states
1.) Collect taxes from U.S. citizens
or money from states
2.) Conduct foreign policy
2.) Prevent states from
conducting foreign policy
3.) Maintain an army and navy
3.) Establish a military draft
4.) Establish post-offices
4.) Regulate business (commerce)
between the states
5.) Passed the Northwest Ordinance of 1787
5.) Force states to comply with
national laws
6.) Prevent states from coining
their own money

8. Northwest Ordinance of 1787.
Organize government in western lands and be admitted to the states on equal ground
Free Public Education
Banned Slavery
Guaranteed freedom of worship, the right to trial by jury, and due process of law

9. The Articles sucked because
The Feds were too weak

10. Scenario 1
   Leanne Keene, French ambassador, arrives from Paris to tell you France needs the money it lent the colonies during the Revolution immediately.   Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem?  Why/Why not?

11. Scenario 2
Neil Thisse is a Loyalist who fled the colonies during the Revolution and has returned to reclaim his property in Dover, MA.  According to the Treaty of Paris, he is entitled to his land.  However, Massachusetts has passed a law that ignores the claims of former Loyalists.  Charles appeals to the Articles for the return of his property.   Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem?  Why/Why not?

12. Scenario 3
A group of poor farmers in Massachusetts, led by Taylor Coutts and John Sullivan is angered by war debts, bad harvests and high taxes.  When their debt-ridden farms are taken by the bank, they march on the state capitol in protest.  Massachusetts sends their militia to try to stop them and appeals to Congress for assistance.  Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem?  Why/Why not?

13. Scenario 4
Both New Hampshire and New York desire more territory for settlers within their states.     New land would increase trade, profit and power for their individual states.  They claim Vermont territory and appeal to the Articles to settle the dispute.  Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem?  Why/Why not?

14. Scenario 5
Foreign countries do not respect American independence.  Although the Treaty of Paris granted the United States all the land east of the Mississippi, Britain refuses to withdraw troops from the Ohio Valley.  In addition, Spain closes New Orleans port to American farmers.   Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem?  Why/Why not?

15. Scenario 6
Some individual states have abolished slavery in their constitutions.   Confederation delegates Nevin Weinberg and Dani Kwatcher propose an amendment to abolish slavery in the entire country.  Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem?  Why/Why not?  

16. Shays Rebellion

17. Sample
Dear Abby,
  My girlfriend says that the Articles of Confederation were not all bad as a system of government. She says that even thought the Articles had some problems, that they did establish some good governmental principles. I say she’s wrong. Who’s right ? Signed, Battle Fatigued in Brooklyn
Dear Battle Fatigued, 
Although the Articles of Confederation did have some problems, such as limiting Congress’s powers to pass laws, levy and collect taxes and regulate trade, it did establish some sound governmental principles. The Articles allowed Congress to declare war and to sign peace and other international treaties. Perhaps most significantly, it enabled the United States to stay together and to win the Revolutionary War. So, even thought there were some problems with the Articles they weren’t all bad. You owe your Sweetie an apology!

18. Exit Slip
Why did the Founding Fathers create a very weak national government after the American Revolution?