1. The Articles of Confederation

2. The Articles of Confederation
The Articles were written in 1777 by John Dickinson, a Penn. statesman
The Articles were accepted by Congress in 1781 and is considered the first national constitution

3. The Articles of Confederation
The fear of having too much power in one person’s hands reflects the experiences the colonies had under a monarchy
In the Articles the state governments limit the power of the national Congress

4. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Congress had no power to raise taxes
Congress had no power regulate foreign or state trade
Laws had to be approved by 9 out of 13 states
Congress did not have the power to enforce laws

5. Strengths of the Articles of Confederation
The Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed
The Northwest Ordinance was past
Had the power to declare war and peace, print money, make treaties and settle state disputes

6. Reasons for Shays’ Rebellion
Farmers are required to pay debts in gold, they have no money because they were not paid during the war
Wealthy lawmakers invested their money in the war too. And seek to get money from the farmers debts

7. Shays’ Rebellion
Poor farmers are not represented in the Mass legislature and cannot pass debt relief laws
The rebellion will free debtors from prisons and close courts that are hearing cases against farmers

8. Shays’ Rebellion The Mass militia is called out to stop it
Poor farmers in 1791 elect officials who support their stance and will close courthouses and demand financial help from the Congress
Shays’ Rebellion will prompt national leaders to create a stronger central government

9. Samuel Adams Said What?!
“Rebellion against a king may be pardoned, or lightly punished, but the man who dares to rebel against the laws of a republic ought to suffer death”

10. Views about Shay's Rebellion
Adams will also write a law called the Riot Act, which prohibits 12 people or more from meeting and gives the government the power to shoot rioters!
Samuel sure has changed since 1776!

11. Thomas Jefferson Said What?!
"A little rebellion now and then is a good thing. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government. God forbid that we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion."