1. The Articles of Confederation

2. The Structure of the Articles of Confederation
A simple government was set up by the Articles.
A Congress was the only branch.
It was unicameral (only 1 chamber or house).
Each state had one delegate chosen by the state legislature.
Every year, a presiding officer was chosen by Congress (a chairperson, NOT a President)

3. Strengths of the Articles of Confederation
Build an army & navy
Make treaties
Borrow money
Settle disputes among the states
Provided freedom to all states

4. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
One vote each state regardless of size
Powerless to raise & collect taxes
No executive to enforce acts of Congress
No national court system
9/13 majority to pass laws
Could not regulate foreign trade/ interstate commerce
Amendment with the consent of all states
All in all, the national government was not given enough power!

5. Analysis Activity and Exit Ticket
Work on the graphic organizer, “Problems of the Confederation”.
Before we leave, synthesize the information by responding to this prompt as an exit ticket, “How were the Articles of Confederation unfit for addressing the problems inherent in the new nation?”