1 First proposed soon after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation were adopted by Congress in 1777, but not ratified by the required number of states until 1781. A confederation has a weak national government and provides for states to be the most powerful level of government. The new nation’s first attempt at government: The Articles of Confederation
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1
First proposed soon after the signing of the
Declaration of Independence, the
Articles of Confederation were adopted by
Congress in 1777, but not ratified by the required number of states until
1781.
A confederation has a weak national
government and provides for states to be the most
powerful level of government.
The new nation’s first attempt at government:
The Articles of Confederation
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Officially gave the nation the name “United States of America”
Many feared a strong national government because of King George’s abuses of power
Specified rights and powers entitled to each state
Gave one vote per state in Congress. Set six year term limit for legislators.
Limited power of national government to foreign affairs and declaring war
Overview of the Articles of Confederation
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The articles reflected the fear of a strong executive branch and lacked the ability to function
in several important areas
No direct Power over
Citizens
Could not Be changed without
Consent of all 13 states
Could not Regulate trade
Could not Enforce laws
No power To tax
Weaknesses of the Articles
of Confederation
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Approved by Congress on November 15, 1777, Congress sent to the states for ratification the Articles of Confederation.
This was the first governing constitution for the United States.
The Articles of Confederation were ratified on March 1, 1781.
The Continental Congress became the Congress of the Confederation.
The Articles of Confederation
Ratified means “formally approved.”
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The Structure of the Congress of the Confederation
The pillars represent states who had ratified the Articles of Confederation.
Unicameral: One chamber or house
Unicameral legislature
One vote per state
No executive or judiciary branch
Two to seven delegates were chosen annually by state legislatures.
Executive functions were handled by committees of Congress.
Congress chose a leader for their body known as president, but he served only in Congress .
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The Articles of Confederation was America’s first national constitution.
Article I. The Stile of this Confederacy shall be "The United
States of America."
Article II. Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and
independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.
Article III. The said States hereby severally enter into a
firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other pretense whatever.
Left: Betsy Ross Flag Right: Francis Hopkinson Flag
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Congress had the power to maintain an army and navy
Congress could declare war and enter into foreign relations
Most power rested with the state legislatures
Set weights and measures
Mint coins
Final court of law
Other Powers of the Congress of the Confederation
Prayer at
the first
Congress of
1774
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Pay for the Delegates
Not enter into foreign treaties
No war without consent
No treaties between states without consent
No navy without authorization
Support the national decisions of the confederacy
Pay for expenditures made by the confederacy
The Responsibilities of the States
The Signing of the First Treaty of Peace with Great Britain,
members of Congress of the Confederation
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Congress was not able to collect taxes. Congress could not regulate inter-state trade. States were not equitably represented. Needed consent of 9 of 13 states to exercise
power. Need unanimous approval for amendments.
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Continental Currency
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The federal government did not have enough power to enforce state cooperation
No national judicial system Small national army
supported by state militias whose concerns centered on state issues
Continental Congress picked by state legislatures, not citizens
The delegates had limited national commitment
Difficulty settling territorial disputes between states
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
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Farmers, a majority of whom were Revolutionary War veterans, faced high taxes and an economic recession after the war making it difficult to pay their mortgages.
Debtors courts confiscated property and sent debtors to prison. Farmers demanded stable paper currency and tax relief. The wealthy class, concerned with getting repaid by the
government, wanted more taxes. A local group led by Daniel Shay attempted to seize weapons at
the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts but were stopped by a local militia.
The inability of the national government to respond to this rebellion directly led to the drafting of a new constitution in 1787.
Shays’ Rebellion (1786-1787)
Springfield Armory, Daniel Shays and rebel leader Job Shattuck
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