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Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Articles of Confederation (America’s First “Constitution”). 1781-1789 Created a league of friendship between the 13 new states following the Revolutionary War. The states just broke free of a government in which one person had all the power
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Articles of Confederation(America’s First “Constitution”) • 1781-1789 • Created a league of friendship between the 13 new states following the Revolutionary War. • The states just broke free of a government in which one person had all the power • The new states feared a strong central government
Weakness No power to tax No national executive Unicameral legislature No judicial/national court No checks & balances! Result No money No enforcement of laws One vote / state unequal representation Problems with interstate relations Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Weaknesses No regulation of commerce No power to maintain army Government dominated by states Need 9/13 to pass a law & unanimous consent to amend Results Economic quarrels No foreign trade No defense No unity Impossible to accomplish Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Other Problems Under The New Government • States were issuing their own paper money but inflation soon made it worthless • Post war depression hurt small businesses and lowered prices farmers received for their crops which left farmers unable to pay debts. • In Mass. farmers attacked courthouses to prevent judges from foreclosing on farmers – Shay’s Rebellion.
The Problems with the Articles of Confederation WS Directions • Your groups will have 3 minutes at each station. • Answer the questions on your worksheet while citing the Article of the Articles of Confederation where you found the answer. • Can you find any strengths with the articles?