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Articles of Confederation. America ’ s First Constitution. Constitution Defined. Document that sets out the laws, principles, organization, and process of government. Articles of Confederation. Created a loose alliance of 13 independent states
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Articles of Confederation America’s First Constitution
Constitution Defined • Document that sets out the laws, principles, organization, and process of government
Articles of Confederation • Created a loose alliance of 13 independent states • Many states did not want to give up power to central govt --feared another tyranny (like GB) • Americans did not see themselves as citizens of one nation, but of their own state
Limited Powers • States send one delegate to Congress • Congress- declare war, appoint military officers, coin money, foreign affairs -- LIMITED compared to the power of states • No power to tax • No president
Economic Depression • Depression - business activity slows, prices & wages fall, unemployment rises • Shay’s Rebellion - Mass farmer org uprising in 1787 (1,000 farmers) attacked courthouse, prevented state from seizing farms--militia drove them off
Signal to Congress • Shay’s Rebellion showed the AoC did not work • Called for a May 1787 meeting in Philadelphia to revise AoC--in the end created new govt