Creation of a New Government

The Articles of Confederation

Why would the Framers decide to structure our new government with a weak central government?

The 2nd Continental Congressdeclared US independence

in 1776

13 Independent States werewriting their own Constitutionswith legislatures, governors,

and independent court systems.

In 1777 The Continental Congressdrafted a national constitution

without a court system oran executive branch…

The Articles of Confederation

Article by Article # I – XIII …it would provide a

weak central government…loose union of states…

alliance of states… league of states…CONFEDERATION

Article 2 . Each State retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction and right …

Preamble Article I - Style

Article II - States Rights Article III - Mutual defense

Article IV - Laws of other states to be abided; extradition Article V - The Legislature

Article VI - Rights denied the States Article VII - Appointment of military officers

Article VIII - United States to pay for defense; taxes Article IX - Rights granted the Federal Government

Article X - Committee of States Article XI - Canada may join the United States

Article XII - Assumption of debt Article XIII - Articles are Supreme Law, amendment

The Articles of Confederation could help the 13 States cooperate to win Independence… but were not

intended to imposenational laws upon independent states

This was a “revolutionary” documentwhich reflected a distrust

for strong central government…

independence of states and citizenswould best be served by

less government……more liberty!

In 1781 The Articles of Confederationwere finally ratified by the

13 United States of America.

Although the Articles of Confederationwere limited in their power over

States and Citizens…significant accomplishments

deserve acknowledgement

•securing alliances with France, Holland, Spain, and Russia•1783 Treaty of Paris…territories to the Mississippi River•Land Ordinance of 1785 and 1787 Northwest Ordinance

Historians assert that the USA neededthe alliance with France

(the French Navy and Army)to achieve the victory at Yorktown in 1781.

The 1783 Treaty of Parisgave the fledgling USA

immense territorial possessions

The 13 states hadcompeting territorialclaims to these lands in the west…

…a national solution was needed

The new territories would be carved into new states = to the original 13 …they would have their own constitutions…they could make their own laws

These new states would provide order and security for Americans to prosper in these newfrontier lands…

…north of the Ohio Riverthere would be no slaveryin the territories and new states

Each territory and new state would provide for towns, school districts, road construction,and militias for their defense.

The 1780’s were critical years inthe early history of the USA

A new NATION was established onthe principles of liberty

The 13 United States had established a frameworkfor orderly growth and expansion…

a REPUBLIC without a monarch

Components of the Articles of Confederation

Problems of the AOC:1. Limited Powers to Pass Laws

2. Limited Power to Tax3. Limited Power to Regulate Trade

Laws-Amendments-

4. No national judicial branch/No Executive BranchSuccess of AOC:1. Northwest Ordinance-

Dissatisfaction with the AOCShays’ Rebellion-Farmers’ rebellion in Massachusetts to protest state economic policies

Result:Americans called for change

State

Governments

Federal

Government

Who has the power?