Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

1. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Goals: To understand the shortcomings of the Articles To create a political cartoon

2. Economic Weaknesses • The Federal government couldn’t establish common currency • Congress couldn’t regulate interstate commerce • Congress couldn’t levy taxes • The states could refuse to pay dues to the federal government • In this system, the states bankrupted the nation

3. Shays’ Rebellion • Debt mounted and creditors began harassing farmers for payment • Farmers faced foreclosure on their farms • Farmers in western Mass. took up arms • Daniel Shays was a Revolutionary War vet who led over 1000 farmers to arms in order to shut down the courts • The states began to alter the courts to appease such rebellions • It was obvious a stronger national government was needed

4. The Rundown: Major Weaknesses • Congress had no power to tax • Congress had no power to regulate interstate commerce • Each state had one vote in Congress, regardless of size • A 2/3 majority was required to pass laws • All states must agree to an amendment to Articles • No executive branch to enforce the acts of Congress • No system of federal courts

5. Your assignment • Create a political cartoon illustrating one of the weaknesses of the Articles • Must have color • Must be classroom appropriate