1. ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION strengths and weaknesses

2. The Declaration of Independence review
Independence did not
create any system of
government to pull the former
colonies together as a nation.
In fact, the new states thought of themselves almost as 13 separate countries.
STOP, THINK, WRITE

3. The Articles of Confederation
The Second Continental Congress went to work on a government system.
The result was a type of national government called a confederation.
Signed in 1781
Confederation: Each state would keep its independence, but all would agree to work together on common concerns.

4. Articles of Confederation
Legislative
Executive (Governor)
State courts
Controlled taxes
Controlled all
Foreign and domestic trade
One house Congress
1 state = 1 vote
Declare war
Sign treaties
Coin money
STOP, THINK, WRITE
State power
National power

5. Strengths Created a republic Passing of: LAND ORDINANCE OF 1785
Passing of: Northwest Ordinance
THE LAND ORDINANCE OF 1785
-a law that developed a plan for surveying and selling the federally owned lands west of the Appalachian Mountains known as the “Northwest Territory”.
Six mile square plots= township

6. Passing of: Northwest Ordinance
described how the NW Territory was to be governed and set conditions for settlement and settlers’ rights.
5000 free males, must own 50acres of land= elect an assembly
60,000 people= apply for statehood
No slaves
Freedom of religion
Trial by jury
All access to rivers

7. STOP, THINK, WRITE: Why were the Land Ordinance
and Northwest Ordinance
important to the growth of our nation?

8. Weaknesses
What problems do you think the Confederation Congress faced?
Lacked power to tax U.S. citizens.
No way to pay for costs of American Revolution.
Asked states for money but had no power to force payment.
Did not control trade (foreign or national).
Lacked power to enforce laws.
All states approval needed to amend Articles of Confederation.
Nine states approval needed to ratify new laws.
No executive branch
No national court

12. The Constitution Increased powers of National government
System of checks and balances
Separation of powers
3 branches of government at both levels
Later added a Bill of Rights
STOP, THINK, WRITE
State power
National Powers

13. SAYING GOOD-BYE IS HARD!
Write an Eulogy (tribute) for our first form of government, the Articles of Confederation.
Should be written in formal language
When it was “born”?
Briefly summarize the Articles (successes & weaknesses).
Describe its legacy (how did they affect the country we live in today).
When did it “die”?