Articles of Confederation

1. Articles of Confederation

2. Forming a Confederation Government powers Government Weaknesses Congress – Limited Powers (most needed 9 of 13 states to agree) No Executive Branch – can’t Enforce Laws No Judicial Branch – can’t Settle State Disputes No Power to Tax No Money = No Military Amendments – Needed Approval of all 13 States Can not coin it’s own money or regulate trade • Each state had one vote. • make laws • declare war • They can make treaties & alliances • Borrow money • Maintain army & navy

3. Major Issues under the Articles of Confederation • British troops have not left US soil. • French/Spanish will not allow use of Mississippi River. • Debts contracted during the Revolutionary War have not been paid. • Shay’s Rebellion. • Economy is very poor. • Americans were aware of the issues due to a weak central government that brings about the constitutional convention in 1787.

4. VIRGINIA PLAN 3 Separate Branches (legislative will elect other 2) Bicameral Legislature (based on population & $ contributions) Authority to cancel conflicting state laws NEW JERSEY PLAN Unicameral Legislature (1 vote) Plural Executive – selected by Congress Supreme Court – appointed for life by the executive GREAT COMPROMISE (AKA – Sherman or Connecticut) 1) Congress – Bicameral House of Representatives – based on population, directly elected by the people Senate – 2 Representatives per state – chosen by state legislatures 2) 3/5 Compromise – Every 5 Slaves would count as 3 persons for population & taxing 3) Economics President enters into treaties Slave trade not prohibited (20 years) Congress cannot tax exports Treaties – 2/3 Senate approval The Constitutional Convention