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The Nation’s First Governments

The Nation’s First Governments. Chapter 2 Section 4. Goal. Identify three major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. . What Now??. The DOI did not declare America a single country. All 13 colonies separate states with their own governments and laws.

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The Nation’s First Governments

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  1. The Nation’s First Governments Chapter 2 Section 4

  2. Goal • Identify three major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

  3. What Now?? • The DOI did not declare America a single country. • All 13 colonies separate states with their own governments and laws. • Each state created it’s own constitution • Most similar in structure • Ideas w/in can be traced back to documents like the Magna Carta.

  4. Why did they set up separate governments?

  5. Confederation Set up • States could not survive on their own. • Ex: raise/Maintain large armies. • Second Continental Congress established a “Firm league of friendship” between states.

  6. Articles of Confederation • Written in 1777 • Established a system of cooperation between the states. • 1 house Legislature. • Each state had 1 vote • Congressional powers • Control Army • Deal with foreign countries on states behalf

  7. Powers not granted • Power to tax • Power to enforce laws • Could ask for money but not demand it • Why do you think they set it up like this?

  8. Serious Problems • Weaknesses • No laws passed unless 9 states voted to pass one. • Any changes had to be approved by all 13 states. • Could not enforce laws that were passed. • Difficult to accomplish anything

  9. Problems Continued • Unable to collect taxes, Congress borrowed money and fell into debt. • States fell into debt as well • Started heavily taxing goods from other states. • Foreign countries started refusing to trade with American states.

  10. Shays’ Rebellion • Daniel Shays, Massachusetts farmer. • State threatened to take his farm for payment of debt. • Felt that the state had no right to do this.

  11. Shays’ Rebellion • In 1786, 1,200 farmers marched on the federal arsenal in Springfield, Mass. • Shays and the farmers were defeated, but word spread throughout the colonies. • Americans feared more violence.

  12. Path to change • Became clear that a strong central government was needed. • 12 states sent delegates to Philadelphia. • Purpose was to change the Articles of Confederation.

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