Articles of Confederation

1. Articles of Confederation And the Constitution

2. Articles of Confederation • Started in 1777 • It was a plan to join the states together • It gave the 13 states a plan for government • The articles were popular because it did not make the national government too strong • It was approved by all 13 states in 1781

3. T- Chart (Articles of Confed.) • 1781-1787 • States have the most power • No president • State courts only- no national courts • Congress has no power to tax • Congress cannot regulate trade among states • States have own money • No military • No treaties with other countries • States all had to agree to changes

4. The Convention • 55 delegates attended • Held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • 1787 • Well-educated men • George Washington was the leader • Delegates were important people from the other states • They shared the same ideas about the government

5. Security at the Convention • Doors to the State House were guarded • Only delegates were allowed inside • They were not allowed to discuss things with outsiders • Their meetings were private and secret from the public

6. What were they trying to do? • The delegates were trying to revise the Articles of Confederation; a new plan of government was needed • 9 out of 13 states had to approve it • On September 17, 1787 the delegates agreed and signed the Constitution

7. Constitution (T-Chart) • States have some power, most power given to nat. govt • President • Military w/ president in charge • National and state courts • Laws passed by majority vote of both houses of Congress • Congress has power to tax • Congress has power to regulate interstate and foreign trade • National Money • Bill of Rights