1. Articles of Confederation
I. The Articles of the Confederation were drafted by the Continental Congress
A. Approved in 1781
B. Much power left to each state…
C. National Gov. mostly powerless
1. could not tax
2. could not raise army
3. could not regulate trade or commerce
between the states
D. Other problems:
1. No national courts to settle disputes
2. No national currency
3. Unanimity was needed to amend articles
4. 9 of 13 states needed to pass a law

2. Articles of Confederation
II. End of the Articles
A. Alexander Hamilton was chief force behind organizing a convention to discuss problems with Articles
B. Daniel Shay led a farmers’ rebellion in opposition
to taxes in Massachusetts
C. Other leaders feared rebellions
in their states, realized weaknesses
of Articles
D. Convention was organized and
scheduled to meet in Philadelphia
in 1787