2. The Articles of Confederation
The Continental Congress planned a written agreement of government; it was called the Articles of Confederation.
Created a loose “Confederation” of States
States were basically free to do as they wished, came together for a few, common purposes.

3. John Hanson, American Patriot and First President of the United States (sort of) (1715-1783)                

4. Pre-Washington Presidents
Elias Boudinot (1783)
Thomas Mifflin (1784)
Richard Henry Lee (1785)
Nathan Gorman (1786)
Arthur St. Clair (1787)
Cyrus Griffin (1788)
These men were presidents of Congress, there was no executive branch.

5. Government under the Articles
                 
1 house legislature
9/13 states to make a law
13/13 states to amend a law
Tried to handle all foreign affairs and raise an army

6. Major Weaknesses
The national government under the Articles was weak and ineffective.
Congress could not collect taxes (America could not pay off war debts)
Congress could not enforce its laws
No national court system
Too hard to change a law

7. Who is he?

8. Shays Rebellion
In Farmers led by Daniel Shays marched on the federal arsenal in Springfield MASS.
They were angry because their farms were being repossessed to pay off government debts (F&I)
The government could not stop this until 1787

9. Why is Shays Important?
The rebellion demonstrated the importance of the power of the national government and the need to maintain order.
Delegates began to meet in Philadelphia to discuss business.
They need to fix the Articles or risk another revolution