1. Articles of Confederation
The Critical Period
Articles of Confederation

2. Central Government
States
Unitary System

3. Declaration of Independence
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Declaration of Independence

4. Declaration of Independence
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
Declaration of Independence

5. Declaration of Independence
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,  laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. 
Declaration of Independence

6.
No more king

7. We need a new government
Not opposed to all government, just England’s
We need a new government

8. Second Continental Congress
Adopted in 1781
First “constitution”
Second Continental Congress

9. Central Government
States
confederation

10. Legislative branch Congress is given lawmaking powers
Each state 2-7 delegates; one vote
9 of 13 states had to approve new laws
Legislative branch

11. Powers of Congress Declare war Make peace Send ambassadors
Form alliances
Manage Indian affairs
Establish post offices
Coin money
Regulate trade with other countries
Borrow money
Determine size and use of army and navy
Powers of Congress

12. Powers Denied to Congress
Require payment of taxes
Control trade between states
Make the states work together
Powers Denied to Congress

13. States’ rights Have its own constitution Organize its won armed forces
Print its own money
Hold complete control over all affairs within the state
Make treaties with Indians, other states and foreign countries
Have all powers not given to congress
States’ rights

14. Weaknesses

15. No Executive or Judicial

16. Difficult to pass laws

17. Unanimous approval
Amendments

18. Congress never had enough money
40 million dollar war debt
Could borrow money
Could ask for taxes, but couldn’t force states to pay
Congress never had enough money

19. States fought with each other

20. Why would they create a government that was so weak?

21. Successes

22. Won the war

24. Land Ordinance 1785

26. Northwest Ordinance 1787

27. 5,000 males – create territory
60,000 residents – apply for statehood
Assured that we would grow as a nation, not as an empire