1. 6 7

2. Articles of Confederation
Lesson 2-3
Experiencing the
Articles of Confederation

3. Preview Activity Let’s Have a Snack!
Lesson 2-3: Experiencing the Articles of Confederation
Preview Activity
Let’s Have a Snack!
Do you want to have a “class” snack tomorrow during class?
YES? _____ NO? _____ ABSTAIN? _____
Ok, let’s get this meeting going on having a “class” snack!

4. Preview Activity Let’s Have a Snack!
Lesson 2-3: Experiencing the Articles of Confederation
Preview Activity
Let’s Have a Snack!
The class is divided into 13 groups.
Each group will have ONE vote.
Each decision must be approved by 9 of the groups,
not just a simple majority of 7.
Besides just deciding “which snack should we have” what other questions need to be answered so you can actually have your snack?
Ohhhhhh, everyone is entitled to the class snack BUT you cannot force them to pay.
In other words, you may ask for “donations” to pay for the “class” snack.

5. Preview Activity Let’s Have a Snack!
Lesson 2-3: Experiencing the Articles of Confederation
Preview Activity
Let’s Have a Snack!
Period __
ISSUE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Total

6. ESSENTIAL QUESTION LEARNING TARGET: R 7
Lesson 2-3: Experiencing the Articles of Confederation 7 R
ESSENTIAL QUESTION
What problems did the government of the new United States create for running the country?
LEARNING TARGET:
I can empathize with the decision making process of the original government of the United States.

7. Debriefing the Activity
Lesson 2-3: Experiencing the Articles of Confederation L 6
Preview Activity
Let’s Have a Snack!
Debriefing the Activity
How did you feel as you tried to reach an agreement on choosing a snack?
Why was it difficult for the class to reach an agreement?
What would have happened if the decision had been based on “majority rule”?
What are the weaknesses of this type of decision-making system? What are the benefits?
Why might a government institute this type of system?
How effective is this type of government?

8. Experiencing the Articles of Confederation
Lesson 2-3: Experiencing the Articles of Confederation
Class Notes:
Experiencing the Articles of Confederation 7 R
The Preview Activity was designed to introduce you to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Experiencing the Articles of Confederation
Classroom Experience
Articles of Confederation
Class was divided into 13 groups.
Each group of students had one vote.
Students tried to make decisions for the benefit of the entire class.
Decisions were not easily made or made at all.
Some students became dissatisfied, angry, and frustrated.
You could ask for donations but not require students to pay for the snack
Open to Page 145, 8.1, and read the Introduction to this chapter to gain a little understanding of the situation.
It is now time to apply our understanding of the text and history to the classroom experience.

9. Experiencing the Articles of Confederation Articles of Confederation
Lesson 2-3: Experiencing the Articles of Confederation
Experiencing the Articles of Confederation
Classroom Experience
Articles of Confederation
Class was divided into 13 groups.
Congress was composed of 13 states.
Each group of students had one vote.
Each state had one vote in Congress.
You could ask for donations but not require students to pay for the snack
The national government could not tax the States.
Students tried to make decisions for the benefit of the entire class.
Congress dealt with many problems that affected the entire country, such as how to develop the western lands acquired by the United States in the Treaty of Paris.
Decisions were not easily made or made at all.
Congress failed to resolve disputes between states over taxes and boundaries.
Some students became dissatisfied, angry, and frustrated.
Many citizens were concerned that the government was too weak.