ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

1781-1789

When?

1781 to 1789 Middle of the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) the first constitution of the United States was constructed.

Why?

Colonists realized that a more permanent form of central government was needed to bring together the new states and win the war

How?

each state had one delegate help write it

All 13 states had to agree to it.

Washington crosses the Delaware…

The first move in a surprise attack against the Hessian forces at Trenton, New Jersey in the Battle of Trenton.

Weaknesses of the Articles…

1. Weak central government; Unicameral (one house)

2. Each state only had one vote3. 9 states needed to pass any law4. All 13 colonies needed to agree to

change Articles5. No executive branch (no president) 6. Congress could not levy taxes

7. Congress could not raise an army

Weaknesses of the Articles…

8. Central government had no authority over

states

9. Each state coined its own money

10. States could negotiate separate with foreign nations and Indians

11. No national court system to settle disputes

Major Weakness!!SHAY’S REBELLION

Massachusetts's farmer refuses to pay government issued tax on land/ farmers rise up

Due to lack of national military, state militias reluctantly called up to put down rebellion

Significance: caused Founding Fathers to reconvene for Constitutional Convention to revise the Articles of Confederation

Successes

States gained independence and negotiated a favorable treaty

Unified all states, Northwest Ordinance, 1787 system to organize territory and add states

Northwest Territory

Northwest Ordinance papers

Comments…

The original ordinance, written by Thomas Jefferson, divided the territory into self-governing districts and set population requirements for statehood.

The final ordinance, written partly by Rufus King, set land-grant sizes and prices, provided public land for schools, outlawed slavery, and guaranteed civil liberties.

It established the principle of admitting new states on equal terms with the original 13 states.

What do think will happen when Americans start moving out to the West?

Manifest Destiny