1. Objective: To examine the formation of the Articles of Confederation
Helpful Hint:
Refer to the included Articles of Confederation Card House Activity .

2. The Articles of Confederation (1781) - the first central government of the United States
Congress was a unicameral legislature with delegates, or representatives, from each state.
- The main power of Congress involved foreign affairs.
- All 13 states had to agree on all amendments.
- 9 of the 13 states had to agree on all federal laws.

3. Congress could declare war
POWERS GRANTED BY THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
POWERS WITHHELD BY THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
Congress could declare war
Congress could not raise revenue through taxes
Congress could raise armies
Congress could not regulate trade and collect tariffs
Congress could sign treaties

4. * Under the Articles of Confederation, the states had more power than the federal government.
Examples: taxation and law enforcement
* The Articles of Confederation had a weak federal government on purpose because they were afraid of their experiences with the British monarchy and Parliament.