1. The Articles of Confederation
How strong should the central government be?

2. Forming a government during the war…
State Governments
In 1776, the Continental Congress asked the colonies to organize their own governments (becoming states)
Each state wrote its own constitution
These constitutions limited the power of the government
National Government
Because of their experience with the British government, Americans wanted a national government which was very limited
They believed each state should act independently on most issues and govern themselves
National government would handle some limited issues

3. US territory (not yet states)
Original 13 states of the Unites States of America

4. State Government

5. National Government

6. Discussion: Who should have more power – states or the national government?

7. National Government
In 1776, the 2nd Continental Congress appointed a committee to write a plan for a national government
Congress adopted the nation’s first national government constitution: the Articles of Confederation

8. Discuss: How are these similar?

9. Articles of Confederation
Create and maintain armed forces
Conduct Foreign Affairs
- Declare war
- treaties with other countries
Power of
Government
Create currency
Borrow Money

10. Articles of Confederation
States hesitated to ratify the plan of government until issues over land claims were solved
States ceded (gave) territory to the national government

11. Articles of Confederation 1781-1788
Accomplishments
Government successfully fought a war for independence against the British
Signed treaty of alliance with France 1778
Negotiated peace treaty with Britain
Policies for western lands
Expanded trade

12. Articles of Confederation 1781-1788
Weaknesses
All 13 states had to agree to any amendments, making it nearly impossible to correct problems
National government was given no power to raise money by collecting taxes
National government could not force states to follow its laws or policies
National government had no control over foreign trade

13. Discussion: Based on these weaknesses, what potential problems do you predict for the Articles of Confederation?