The articles of Confederation

1. The articles of Confederation March 1, 1781

2. Article I • We’re called “The United States of America.”

3. Article II • Other than what is listed here to be dealt with by the US, everything else is up to the states.

4. Article III • Every state will commit to “friendship” and helping other states, especially if an enemy tries to come against one of them.

5. Article IV • Everybody in the union (with some exceptions) shall have all the same rights. • If a person commits a crime in a state then flees to another, the state where the crime was committed shall get the person back and be in charge of the punishment.

6. Article V • Between two & seven delegates from each state (however they want to elect them) shall meet in Congress at least once a year (but can be called in if needed), though the delegate cannot serve for more than 3 years in every 6 year period, nor can they have another job with the government. • Every state can vote, no matter how many delegates are sent. • While serving in Congress, delegates cannot be arrested unless they’ve done something super bad.

7. Article VI • No individual state can make a treaty or agreements with another country. • The US will not make anyone a noble. • No states can create an alliance unless the Congress agrees and determines the purpose and length of the agreement or alliance. • No state can tax a trade if it interferes with foreign treaties made by Congress.

8. Article VI (cont) • No state can tax a trade if it interferes with foreign treaties made by Congress. • A state cannot have warships or troops during a time of peace unless Congress agrees it’s necessary, though the state needs to have a “well-regulated and disciplined” and supplied militia. • States cannot make war without Congress’s permission (unless someone sneaks up on them).

9. Article VII • When creating an army to defend the US, the state legislature has the authority to name all colonels (and below) to lead the troops recruited from each state.

10. Article VIII • All the costs incurred due to war shall be paid out of the US treasury, which gets money from the states dependent on the value of the land in that state (the Congress determines that worth). • The state legislature collects those taxes and can refuse to pay them.

11. Article IX • The Congress is the only one that can: • declare war (except what is stated in the 6th amendment) • send & receive ambassadors, enter into treaties and alliances (except that which would infringe on the states’ rights) • give permission to private ships to attack enemy ships • oversee trials related to sea crimes • make decisions about coins/money • determine the standard of weight & measure • have authority over relations/deals with Indians (unless they live in one of the states)

12. Article IX (cont) • The Congress is the only one that can: • establish post offices and charge for postage • appoint officers (except those appointed by states) • be solely in charge of the army & navy • create “Committee of the States” (for when not in session) made up of 1 delegate from each state, appoint committees to manage US affairs, appoint president (can only serve for 1 year every 3 years) • be in charge of US finances • determine how many people needed for army from each state (dependent on the amount of white people from each state)

13. Article IX (cont) • The Congress is the only one that can: • stop a session of Congress or move it (but can’t be out of session for more than 6 months & they must publish proceedings unless there’s a need for secrecy). • If states cannot agree on some issues (like boundaries and jurisdiction), the Congress will help resolve them. • 9/13 states must agree for Congress to act on the above powers; everything else is state-controlled.

14. Article X • When the Congress is not in session, The Committee of the States (9/13) can act in its place.

15. Article XI • If Canada decides to join the union, it can, but no other colonies unless 9/13 agree.

16. Article XII • The US has full responsibility for debt (including that from the American Revolution).

17. Article XIII • Each state must agree to follow the decisions of the Congress & those listed in this document. • The union is for always. • No one can change these articles until/unless Congress & the state legislature agrees. • Everyone who signs this document has the power to represent their specific state, and everyone promises to never violate this or the union as a whole.

18. Overall Analysis • How do the Articles of Confederation reflect the idea of a “limited government”?