1. Articles of the Confederation

2. Why the Articles? Each independent state keeps power
No chief executive (like a king)
State
________
Nation

3. Weaknesses of the AOC
National government had no power over the state government.
Congress had to ask states for money
Government could not monitor trade between states
No centralized court system
No common form of currency
In order to amend the Articles the vote had to be unanimous

4. Moving West During the AOC
Land Ordinance of 1785: Created a specific plan for dividing land for Americans moving west.
Northwest Ordinance: Provided specific rules on how a territory may become a state.