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Explore the Articles of Confederation, the first government of the United States from 1781 to 1787. Learn about its goals, strengths, weaknesses, and why it ultimately failed. Discover how it paved the way for the U.S. Constitution.
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The Articles of Confederation In 1781, the Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation. This was the 1st government of the United States. It lasted until 1787.
The Articles of Confederation • The Articles of Confederation (A. of C.) were adopted after the Revolutionary War (1781-1787) • A loose organization of states • Come together mainly for defense • More power given to the states, not the national (federal) government • Overall, power is limited and the government is weak. This is on purpose!!! • Why not give more power to the national government instead? • The states feared a centralized government would limit their rights, and possibly lead to a dictator or king
What does the A. of C. say? • “Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.” • More power given to the states than the national government • “States’ Rights”
What does the A. of C. say? • “In determining questions in the united States, in Congress assembled, each State shall have one vote.” • “The committee of the States, or any nine of them, shall be authorized to execute, in the recess of congress, such of the powers of congress as the united States in congress assembled, by the consent of the nine States” • Regardless of population, all states have one vote. • To pass laws, 9 of 13 states are required (2/3)
What does the A. of C. say? • “The said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them…” • The states are unified mostly for the purpose of defense • the United States are more like 13 separate countries with a defense alliance
What does the A. of C. say? • The national government can: • Declare war • Make peace • Sign treaties • Borrow money • Make treaties with Native Americans • The national government cannot: • Collect taxes • Control foreign or domestic trade • Amend (change) the A. of C. unless all 13 states agreed • Force the states to do anything
How did the A. of C. deal with Western lands? • Northwest Ordinance of 1787 • Law passed by Congress to deal with western lands • Outlaws slavery in this region • Provides a system for territories to become states • Considered the most important success of the A. of C.
Why didn’t the A. of C. succeed? • 1786—Shay’s Rebellion • Revolt of farmers against high taxes in Massachusetts • National government could not help Massachusetts stop the revolt • Revolt fails, but it convinces many Americans that they need a stronger federal government • 1787—States meet in Philadelphia to create a new government (U.S. Constitution) • Because the national government was weak • No army, no way to collect taxes, no court system, etc • Because the states didn’t get along • Created their own money, taxed people from other states
Wrap Up • What were the goals of the people who created the Articles of Confederation? • What were its strengths? • What were its weaknesses? • Why did it ultimately not last? • What would replace the Articles of Confederation?
