The Articles of Confederation Characteristics, Strengths and Weaknesses March 1781 – March 1789
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The Articles of ConfederationCharacteristics, Strengths and Weaknesses
March 1781 – March 1789
The Articles of Confederation* An agreement among the thirteen original states that served as the United States’ first constitution and established the United States as a confederation of sovereign states!
Confederation Congress
State Governmen
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State Governmen
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State Governmen
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State Governmen
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* CONFEDERATION: an alliance of ind. states that come together for a common purpose
The Confederation CongressCHARACTERISTICS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
1.) Unicameral Legislature
* Legislation can be proposed and passed rapidly
* A second chamber cannot ‘check’ the first’s attempts to pass unfavorable legislation
2.) Governing authority rested solely in the LEGISLATURE
• No oppressive executive (think – why?) * Ensured concept of representative government (people and states)
* No executive power to enforce decisions of Congress *
* No executive power to provide ‘check’ on Congress
* Lack of clear leadership
* No national judiciary *
The Confederation CongressCHARACTERISTICS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
The Confederation CongressCHARACTERISTICS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
3.) Each delegate was appointed by the state they represented (by the state legislature)
* Ensured that delegates were representative of the states interests (what influence on today?)
* Prevented delegates from using compromise as a political tool
The Confederation CongressCHARACTERISTICS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
4.) Each state delegation received one vote
* States had equal representation in Congress (what influence on today?)
* Larger states had no more influence than smaller states
WHAT CONGRESS COULD DO WHAT CONGRESS COULD NOT DO
1.) Request and borrow money from the states
1.) Collect taxes from U.S. citizens or money from states
2.) Conduct foreign policy 2.) Prevent states from conducting foreign policy
3.) Maintain an army and navy 3.) Establish a military draft
4.) Establish post-offices 4.) Regulate business (commerce) between the states
5.) Force states to comply with national laws
6.) Prevent states from coining their own money
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