1. Articles of Confederation

2. Articles Background 1st constitution for the colonies
Confederation form of government
Very similar in structure to the wartime Continental Congress
States retained “Sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction and right”
Primary purpose was to form a cohesive defense- focused on winning the war

3. Articles- provisions Unicameral legislature- one house
Each state sends delegates, but gets only one vote per state
States obligated to send funds to pay government officials and the military
States obligated to send troops to man and maintain a central defense
9 state votes to pass any law, unanimous to amend
No executive or Judicial entities
Unilateral trade between states and other countries

4. State Governments post-1776
Fearful of political authority – difficult to tax
Members elected annually in 10 states
Every 6 months in CT and RI
Every 2 years in SC
Governors’ power severely limited
PA removed position completely
Voting rights dependent on property ownership

5. Western Policy A.O.C asserted Congress’ control over Western lands
Land west of PA, North of Ohio river and east of Mississippi was divided and sold
Slavery forbidden
Religious freedom, trial by jury guarenteed
Set up standards in which new states could be created
60k

6. Accomplishments under Articles
Set up the Post Office (only government agency that is self-supporting)
Created the post roads
Set up a system of weights and measures

7. Problems with the Articles
States not fairly represented in the Congress No central authority to negotiate with Foreign countries No authority to make states comply with legislation No power to collect taxes or impel troops into service No common currency Hard to pass legislation or amend A.O.C

8. Incidents
Shay’s Rebellion- Massachusetts farmers rebel against foreclosures on property.
MA needed tax revenue to pay off debts
Spain closes Mississippi River
Exposes north/south divide
Disagreement between states
Secession discussed
Newburgh Conspiracy
Military frustrated
Washington halts