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Problems with Articles of Confederation

Problems with Articles of Confederation. Why a weak national government did not work. BIG IDEA. Most of the authority and power was given to the States; National government did not have much. Why did American Leaders create weak nat’l gov’t?. Just fought war with Great Britain

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Problems with Articles of Confederation

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  1. Problems with Articles of Confederation Why a weak national government did not work

  2. BIG IDEA • Most of the authority and power was given to the States; National government did not have much

  3. Why did American Leaders create weak nat’l gov’t? • Just fought war with Great Britain • GB has very strong central gov’t that abused power • Because of this, we did not want strong nat’l power • So power given to states

  4. What power did nat’l gov’t have? • Nat’l Congress could: • Negotiate with other countries • Raise armies • Declare war • What could they NOT do? • Regulate trade • Impose taxes

  5. What power did States have? • One vote in Congress • Coin their own currency • PERFORM ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT FUNCTION

  6. Problems with weak nat’l gov’t • Each state had different currency • How much is a Virginia dollar vs. Massachusetts dollar? • “I’m a Maryland merchant, I only accept Maryland dollars.” • States did not need to agree with trade agreements made by other states or by Congress • No money to pay back soldiers who fought in Revolution • Shays’s Rebellion • No nat’l power to put down a rebellion

  7. Problems become Evident • By 1787 (Treaty of Paris signed in 1783), it becomes clear that AofC are not working • In May, 1787, each state (except Rhode Island) sent delegates to Philadelphia • “for the sole purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.” • Called the Constitutional Convention

  8. Questions to Answer • What were some of the problems with the AofC? • Why did each state send delegates to Philadelphia in 1787? • PREDICT: What is going to occur during the Constitutional Convention?

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