Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation: Calls for a Stronger National Government

1. Chapter 2 Section 3 Mr. Plude

2. Articles of Confederation • In 1777 the Second Continental Congress passed the first official plan for national government, the Articles of Confederation.

3. Articles of Confederation • After the Revolutionary War, weaknesses in the Articles led to conflicts among the states, sparking calls for a stronger national government.

4. Articles of confederation

6. First National Government Articles of Confederation • June 1776: new model of government crafted to build “firm league of friendship” among states, retaining “sovereignty, freedom and independence” • June 12, 1777: Articles of Confederation adopted • Had to be ratified before going into force

7. First National Government A Delay in Ratification Disputes over control of western lands delayed the ratification process. Small states feared large states with claims to western lands would overpower them. Articles were changed to allow Confederation control over western lands. Articles finally ratified in 1781

9. First National Government Powers of the National Government • Created weak national government; did not provide for national court system • One-house Congress: power to act on matters of common interest; admit new states; settle disputes; coin money; raise army; declare war; conduct foreign policy

10. First National Government State Powers States retained all powers not specifically given to Congress Powers included: ability to collect taxes, enforce national laws States required to contribute funds to national government as they saw fit

12. Weaknesses of the Articles • Articles gave Congress key responsibilities, but placed limits that kept it from effectively enforcing laws and policies • Without executive branch, national government lacked means to carry out Congress’s laws

14. Weaknesses of the Articles • Without national court system, Congress had to rely on state courts to apply national laws • Mostly importantly, Articles denied Congress power to tax

16. Weaknesses of the Articles • Difficult to raise funds to repay money borrowed during Revolution • Lacked authority to regulate trade

18. Weaknesses of the Articles • Congress had power to coin money, but not sole power to do so; created barrier to trade, major obstacles to economic development • Congress required to have 9 of 13 states to ratify laws, while only one state could raise objections to block changes in Articles—weakened Congress’s ability to act swiftly and decisively

19. Pressures for Stronger Government • U.S. independence secured with the Treaty of Paris in 1783 • the United States faced challenges that the national government was ill-equipped to meet. • The shortcomings of the government created by the Articles of Confederation would lead to calls for a new plan of government.

20. Pressures for Stronger Government Northwest Ordinance • 1787: Northwest Ordinance planned for settling Northwest Territory • Included areas now in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin—disputed western lands that had delayed ratification of the Articles • Created system for admitting new states, banned slavery, included bill of rights

22. Pressures for Stronger Government Dangers and Unrest • -Most pressing problem: war debts • -1783: Congress tried to approve tax on imports but act never ratified and government went broke • -Postwar depression struck • -States pursued own interests, flouting national laws; like “13 sovereignties pulling against each other”

24. Pressures for Stronger Government Shay’s Rebellion • September 1786: rebellion of Massachusetts farmers facing prospect of losing land • Revolutionary War Captain Daniel Shays led attacks on courthouses to prevent judges from foreclosing on farms.

25. Pressures for Stronger Government Shay’s Rebellion • Shay’s Rebellion swelled to nearly 2,500 by 1787. • Massachusetts legislature asked Congress for help; Congress had no money or forces • Shay’s Rebellion showed how feeble the Confederation Congress was and hastened moves to revise the Articles.

27. Pressures for Stronger Government Calls to Revise the Articles • March 1785: Washington invites representatives from Virginia and Maryland to his home at Mount Vernon to discuss resolving trade dispute. • Led to meeting to discuss regulating commerce between all the states

28. Pressures for Stronger Government Calls to Revise the Articles • February 1787: James Madison persuades the Confederation Congress to endorse meeting for “purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.” • May 1787: meeting to strengthen Articles held in Philadelphia