1. Aim: Why were the Articles of Confederation a failure?
Con Law Lesson 03
Aim: Why were the Articles of Confederation a failure?
What do you think the new United States government would need to form a strong union?

2. The Articles of Confederaton
Proposed by Richard Henry Lee who also proposed the Declaration of Independence.
The Second Continental Congress agreed to the Articles of Confederation on November 15, 1777.
11 States ratified the Articles within 1 year
Delaware ratified in 1779
Maryland ratified on March 1, and the Second Continental Congress declared the Articles of Confederation to be effective that day.

3. Con Law Lesson 03
The Articles of Confederation established a "Firm league of friendship"
Each state retained its own freedoms and any power not expressly given to the Congress remained with the states.
The states would come together for defense, security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare.

4. Governmental Structure
Unicameral Congress with no president and no judicial branch
Representatives would be chosen by the states each year
Each state had one vote in Congress
Congress would appoint Postmasters to run the post offices in the states

5. Powers of Congress Make war and peace Receive ambassadors
Make treaties
Borrow Money and set up a monetary system
Establish post offices
Build a navy and army by asking the states for troops
Set uniform weights and measures
Settle Disputes between the states

6. States Rights Promised to obey Articles and acts of Congress
Provide funds and troops as requested
Treat all US citizens fairly and equally
States had to surrender fugitives to the requesting state
All disputes amongst the states went to the Congress
Allow open travel and trade between states
They were required to protect "life, liberty, and property" of their citizens as well their the "safety and happiness" of their people

7. Do you see any problems with the Articles of Confederation?

8. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
One vote per state regardless of size or wealth
Congress powerless to lay and collect taxes
Congress powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce
No executive to enforce acts of Congress
No national court system
Amendment only with consent of all States
A 9/13 majority required to pass laws
Articles only a "firm league of friendship"

9. The Critical Period, the 1780s
After the Paris Peace treaty, the states stopped supporting the central government
They banned some trade amongst the other states, printed their money, raised their own armies, and made their own agreements with foreign countries.
George Washington who was upset at the direction of the new country complained; "We are one nation today and 13 tomorrow"

10. Conclusion
The Articles sought to create a "firm league of friendship amongst the 13 states. However, the Congress was powerless and human nature took over as the states began looking out for their own self interests. Eventually, the states would come together again in Philadelphia to revise the Articles but once there the delegates had other plans…