1. Aim: Why did the Articles of Confederation create a weak national government?
Do Now:
a) Read the passage and analyze the chart about the Articles of Confederation, afterwards please answer the questions with text-based evidence.
Homework:
a) Read the Shay’s Rebellion Worksheet and answer the discussion questions on a separate sheet of paper, in complete sentences, using text-based evidence.

3. The Critical Period: Creating a National Government
Articles of Confederation (1781) – First Constitution of the United States of America
Created a weak national government: individual states protected their powers.
Reflected colonists fear of a strong central government.
Why would the colonists be fearful of a strong national government?

4. Achievements of Articles of Confederation
Treaty of Paris (1783): Successfully negotiated the end of the American Revolution and set United States western border at the Mississippi River.

5. Achievements of Articles of Confederation
Land Ordinance (1785): provided for the surrender of state-claimed lands to the national government for orderly division and sale, as well as, starting the concept of public education.

6. Achievements of Articles of Confederation
Northwest Ordinance (1787): protection of religious freedom, protection of the rights of the accused (habeas corpus, trial by jury, bail release, and basic due process), and establish a system for the application of statehood.
What do you believe was the greatest achievement of the Articles of Confederation? Why?

7. Weaknesses of Articles of Confederation
The national government could do little without the consent of the states.
No single national currency – each state had their own money.
The national government could not tax the people directly.
The national government lack the money to have an army.
What do you believe was the greatest weakness of the Articles of Confederation? Why?

8. Apply you knowledge
Draw a symbol or diagram to represent the Articles of Confederation.