1. Notes # 1 Articles of Confederation

2. Background
When the Colonists declared Independence on July 4, 1776, this meant that the colonies no longer listened to the British Government.
Now the job of the Second Continental Congress was to create a government that would unite and rule over the Colonies.

3. But what should the new government be like???

4. Drafting (writing) the Articles
Work on the Articles began shortly after the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776.
The first draft was by Benjamin Franklin, but many people did not support it because they felt it gave the government too much power. (They just got rid of a king, why get another one?)
Instead the Continental Congress drafted a document that gave the new “American” government limited powers. It was finally ratified (approved) on March 1, 1781, before the Revolution was won.

5. Can do “A firm league of friendship”
The Articles of Confederation where an agreement between 13 separate states to join together to defend each other. Though we are “Americans” most people consider themselves members of their states, like Virginia or Rhode Island.

6. Foreign Affairs
Congress could make treaties, declare war, and trade with other countries.

7. Keep an Army
Congress controlled the American army. It chose the commanders, and raised money for the military.

8. Borrow Money Congress could borrow money from other countries.
America won the Revolution, but it cost A LOT of money, and American found herself in debt after the war. France lent America money, and Congress was able to ask for more and more.

9. Make Currency
To unify the 13 states, Congress had the power to make one type of money.
This way, every state would except each others money, because it was the same.

10. Not bad, right?

11. Can’t do
Today we do not live under the Articles of Confederation, so why didn’t they work? The strengths seemed pretty cool, but that’s because we haven’t learned about the WEAKNESSES!!!

12. Government Control
There was no President or court system. The President was a member of a committee chosen by Congress, not the people.
Everything was under the control of Congress, and every state, regardless of population, had 1 vote.
To pass a law, you needed 9/13 states. To change the government, everyone had to agree, or else nothing got done.

13. Foreign Affairs
Congress could not control the different states trade. One state might have lower prices than another, so other countries went to the cheaper state, leaving all others hanging.
States started to compete against each other, like separate countries unlike one united America.

14. The Military
Congress could not raise taxes to pay for the military. Money came from states when the wanted to give.
Congress could not start a draft, soldiers were volunteers that left when they wanted to.
States did not even have to pay taxes of send people to join the military.

15. No Enforcement Congress could not force a state to obey the law.
If Congress passed a law, the state could simply say that it was not going to follow the law.

16. !!!Your Opinion!!! Is the Confederation a good government?
Are the strengths going to outweigh the weaknesses?