1. THE CRITICAL PERIOD
Chapter 2 Section 3 What weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation made a lasting government impossible?

2. Articles of Confederation
Considered a “firm league of friendship” among the states.
Each state kept its sovereignty, freedom and independence.
The United States, did however, come together for common defense, securities of liberties, and mutual and general welfare
Ratification, or approval, of the Articles of Confederation needed the approval of all 13 states.
11 states agreed to the document within the year
Delaware and Maryland were the last two states to ratify the articles
Articles became effective on March 1, 1781

3. Governmental Structure
Very simple structure
Congress was the sole body created
Unicameral
Delegates chosen yearly, by the States in whatever their legislature might direct
Each state had one vote
Person “in charge” of the United States would be the presiding officer; chosen yearly

4. Powers of Congress Could make peace and war
Send and receive ambassadors
Make treaties
Borrow money
Set up a money system
Establish post offices
Build a navy; raise an army
Fix uniform standards of weights and measures
Settle disputes among states

5. State Obligations Provide and fund troops requested by Congress
Treat citizens of other states fairly and equally
Recognize other state’s laws and judicial proceedings
State’s agree to surrender fugitives from one justice to another
Submit disputes amongst each other to Congress for settlement
Allow open travel and trade between and among the states
States, did however, retained those powers not explicitly given to the Congress.

6. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
The powers of the Congress appear, at first glance, to have been considerable. Several important powers were missing, however. Their omission, together with other weaknesses, soon proved the Articles inadequate to the needs of time.
Congress DID NOT have the power:
to tax!
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
One vote for each State, regardless of size
Congress powerless to lay and collect taxes or
duties
Congress powerless to regulate foreign and
interstate commerce
No national court system
Amendment only with consent of all States
A 9/13 majority to pass laws
Articles only a “firm league of friendship”

7. A Need for a Stronger Government
The Articles had created a government unable to deal with the nation’s troubles. The need for a stronger more effective government was inevitable.
Large property owners, merchants, traders and other creditors, those who were the most threatened by economic and political instability, took the lead in a movement towards a stronger government

8. Mount Vernon
Maryland and Virginia, plagued by bitter trade disputes, took the first step towards change
They ignored Congress and agreed to a conference on their trade problems
Representatives from both states met in Alexandria, Va.
George Washington was later invited them to his home
The negotiations proved so successful that the Virginia General Assembly called for a joint meeting of all states to recommend a federal plan for regulation commerce.

9. Annapolis The meeting with all the states opened in Annapolis, MD.
Turnout was poor; 5 of the 13 states were represented
Disappointed, but hopeful, the convention called for yet another meeting of the States
By 1787, seven states had named delegates to the Philadelphia meeting
Delaware, Georgia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia
The Philadelphia meeting became the Constitutional Convention