1. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Goals: To understand the shortcomings of the Articles To create a political cartoon

2. Economic Weaknesses The Federal government couldn’t establish common currency Congress couldn’t regulate interstate commerce Congress couldn’t levy taxes The states could refuse to pay dues to the federal government In this system, the states bankrupted the nation

3. Shays’ Rebellion Debt mounted and creditors began harassing farmers for payment Farmers faced foreclosure on their farms Farmers in western Mass. took up arms Daniel Shays was a Revolutionary War vet who led over 1000 farmers to arms in order to shut down the courts The states began to alter the courts to appease such rebellions It was obvious a stronger national government was needed

4. The Rundown: Major Weaknesses Congress had no power to tax Congress had no power to regulate interstate commerce Each state had one vote in Congress, regardless of size A 2/3 majority was required to pass laws All states must agree to an amendment to Articles No executive branch to enforce the acts of Congress No system of federal courts

5. Your assignment Create a political cartoon illustrating one of the weaknesses of the Articles Must have color Must be classroom appropriate