1. The Articles of Confederation
Foundations of American Government

2. The First Continental Congress
Colonial Leaders first met in Philadelphia in 1774 at Independence Hall
Delegates from each colony, except Georgia, met to discuss the problems with Great Britain & encourage peaceful opposition.

3. The First Continental Congress
This Meeting Did 3 Things: 1. It called for a boycott of all British goods. Boycott – an agreement to stop buying or using goods or services. 2. They wrote a list of grievances to King George III 3. They planned to meet again if the King did not meet their demands.

4. The Second Continental Congress
Decided to meet again after British soldiers clashed with colonial militias on April 19, 1775 at Lexington and Concord
Began May 10, 1775 again at Independence Hall in Philadelphia
Delegates voted to form a Continental Army led by George Washington
Most delegates were in favor of independence, but it wasn't until June that a committee of five men began drafting a declaration of independence.

5. The Declaration of Independence
Five men: Thomas Jefferson (VA), John Adams (MA), Benjamin Franklin (PA), Roger Sherman (CT), Robert Livingston (NY) On July 4, 1776 the delegates approved the Dec. of Independence

6. Creating a New Government
During the 5 years at war, the Continental Congress served as the new nation's government.
The Congress appointed a committee to prepare a plan of government known as the Articles of Confederation.
Congress approved the plan in 1777 and sent it to the states for ratification, approval.
The states didn't approve the Articles until 1781.

7. State Constitutions
State lawmakers believed that government should be based on an established set of principles.
These principles included popular sovereignty, limited government, the rule of law and majority rule.
States also separated the powers of gov. between an executive, legislative and judicial branches.
Each state constitution began with a statement of individual rights
They typically limited voting rights to white men who paid taxes and owned property

8. The Articles of Confederation

9. The Articles of Confederation
The Articles were written in 1777 by John Dickinson, a Pennsylvania statesman.
The Articles were accepted in Congress in 1781 and is considered the first national constitution.
Colonists feared too much power resting with one person because of experiences with monarchy
In the articles, the state governments limit the power of the national Congress.

10. Strengths of the Articles
Congress could declare war
Congress could negotiate with foreign countries, such as the Treaty of Paris 1783.
Congress could establish a postal system
Congress could settle disputes between states

11. Weaknesses of the Articles
Congress had no power to raise money through taxes
Congress had no power to regulate foreign or state trade
Laws had to be approved by 9 out of 13 states
Congress did not have the power to enforce laws
Congress could not create a uniform currency

12. A Reason to Rebel
Farmers are required to pay their debts in gold, but they had no money because they weren’t paid during the war.
Wealthy lawmakers invested their money in the war also and wanted to collect money from the farmer’s debts.

13. Shay’s Rebellion Lasted 6 months 1876-77
Poor farmers are not represented in the Massachusetts legislature and cannot pass debt relief law
The rebellion will free debtors from prisons and close courts that are hearing cases against farmers
Daniel Shay

14. Shay’s Rebellion The Massachusetts militia is called out to stop it
Poor farmers in 1791 elect officials who support their stance and will close courthouses and demand financial help from Congress
Shay’s rebellion will encourage national leaders to create a stronger central government