I. The Articles of Confederation

During the Revolution, the states realized that a central government was needed.

1. States did not want a strong central government because of their experience with King George and Britain.2. Also, they did not want any single state to become too powerful.

I am BIG. I will crush you!!!

NO! You are too powerful!

A. Creating a New Government

1. The first attempt at an American constitution

2. It created a weak government with no king or president.

3. It was just a loose alliance of states.

B. The Articles of Confederation

1. Congress could: a. make lawsb. create a national armyc. coin moneyd. set up a postal system

2. Congress could not:a. enforce lawsb. raise taxes (i.e. pay the

army)

C. A.O.C.: Powers and Problems

1. In 1787 states needed to repay war debts. What would king George III do in a case

like this?2. Mass. decided to collect taxes based on land

ownership. 3. Farmers were hit hard. Their land was

sometimes taken away.

D. Problems in Massachusetts

The government was not working.The rights of life, liberty, and the

pursuit of happiness were not being protected.

According to the Declaration of Independence, governments that do not protect these rights should be

overthrown.Would someone actually try to OVERTHROW the

new United States?

E. Shays’ Rebellion

1. Daniel Shays led a rebellion and shut down the courts to prevent any more farmers from losing their land.

2. The Rebellion lasted more than 3 months.3. This proved that the new government was too weak under the AOC.

Part I