1. Articles of Confederation v. The Constitution
AP Government
Unit I
Lesson 1

2. Objective:
What flaws existed in the Articles and how were they addressed by the Constitution?

3. The Foundations of the Articles of Confederation
Government structure
Congress was the sole body created
Delegates were chosen by the states in any manner they wanted
Powers of Congress
Make war and peace
Send and receive ambassadors
Make treaties
Borrow money
State Obligations
Would provide support and funding for congress

4. II. Weaknesses of the Articles
One vote for each state, regardless of size
Congress was powerless to collect taxes or duties
Congress was unable to control foreign or interstate commerce
No national court system
Amendments were only passed will 100% consent of the states
A 9/13 or nearly a 70% majority was required to pass laws
Articles were a “league of friendship among the states”

5. III. Issues leading to conflict
Shay’s Rebellion
Western Massachusetts 1786
Local leaders led by Daniel Shays’ revolted and attacked a federal arsenal in response to economic chaos
Shays was ultimately pardoned in 1788
Trade Disputes
Maryland and Virginia ignored the suggestions of Congress and were entrenched in trade disputes
This was common for many of the state issues

6. IV. The Revision The Miracle in Philadelphia Summer of 1787
Virginia Plan
large state plan; representation based on population; bicameral legislature; three branch government; House is popularly elected, Senators were to be chosen by the House
New Jersey Plan
Small state plan; representation was to be equal; unicameral legislature; limited the power of Congress to tax; more than one executive
Connecticut “Great” Compromise
Bicameral Legislature; House representation was to be based on population; Senate representation was to be equal; Congress would have power to lay and collect taxes
3/5’s Compromise
Dealt with the debate over whether slaves, who were not considered citizens, should be counted towards population in determining representation in the House
Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise
Slave trade would not be discussed for 20 years
Congress could not tax the export of goods from any state

7. V. The Constitution compared to the Articles of Confederation
Formal name of the nation Articles: The United States of America Constitution: (not specified, but referred to in the Preamble as "the United States of America")
Legislature Articles: Unicameral, called Congress Constitution: Bicameral, called Congress, divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate
Members of Congress Articles: Between two and seven members per state Constitution: Two Senators per state, Representatives apportioned according to population of each state
Voting in Congress Articles: One vote per state Constitution: One vote per Representative or Senator
Appointment of members Articles: All appointed by state legislatures, in the manner each legislature directed Constitution: Representatives elected by popular vote, Senators appointed by state legislatures
Term of legislative office Articles: One year Constitution: Two years for Representatives, six for Senators

8. V. The Constitution compared to the Articles of Confederation cont…
Term limit for legislative office Articles: No more than three out of every six years Constitution: None
Executive Articles: None Constitution: President
Adjudicator of disputes between states Articles: Congress Constitution: Supreme Court
Taxes Articles: Apportioned by Congress, collected by the states Constitution: Laid and collected by Congress
Ratification Articles: Unanimous consent required Constitution: Consent of nine states required