The Articles of Confederation

1. The Articles of Confederation • During the Revolution, the new United States needed a functioning government • Modeled after colonial governments • States would retain sovereignty—independent power • Founding fathers were fearful of concentrated power in federal government due to past experience with the British

2. A Limited Government Articles established a “firm league of friendship” among the states Bills were passed needing nine of thirteen votes To amend the Articles took unanimous consent of the states (all 13 must agree)

3. Structure of Government It set up a single house legislative body Each state had one vote regardless of population Congress had sole authority to govern the country An executive committee oversaw government when Congre ss was not in session Congress would establish temporary courts to hear disputes among the states

4. Powers Granted to Federal Government under the Articles of Confederation • Declare war and sign peace treaties • Make treaties with foreign countries • Establish an army and navy • Appoint high-ranking military officials • Print and borrow money • Establish a system of weights and measures • Hear disputes among the states related to trade or boundaries

5. Powers Denied to Government • No power to raise funds for an army or navy • No power to tax, impose tariffs (tax on goods imported into US to control trade and protect US industry) • No executive branch to enforce laws • No power to control trade among the states • No power to force states to honor obligations • No power to regulate the value of currency

6. Accomplishments of the Articles of Confederation Negotiated the Treaty of Paris with Britain in 1783 Established the Northwest Ordinance of 1787—which was big because it set precedent for how land to the west would be organized. The original 13 colonies (now states) no longer had rights the land. New states could be organized Map of the land settled in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787

8. Problems Facing the New Nation Trade with foreign nations—esp w/ Britain Financing the nation—can’t raise taxes Foreign relations—who do other countries interact with Interstate relations—what if there is a conflict between states.

9. Problems with Trade • U.S. no longer the favorite trading partner of Great Britain • U.S. exports to British ports had to be on British ships • Many U.S.-produced goods were barred from British ports • Britain sent vast amounts of cheap goods to U.S.—flood US market AND hurt the still developing U.S. industries • Potential Remedy • Establish a tariff on British goods • Weakness in Articles of Confederation preventing this solution