1. The Articles of Confederation The first real government of the United States of America 11/5/1777 – 4/30/1789

2. Set Up “A firm league of friendship” between the states “A firm league of friendship” between the states Each state was independent Each state was independent Any power not expressly given to the central government was reserved to each state Any power not expressly given to the central government was reserved to each state

3. Central Government Unicameral Congress Unicameral Congress States choose delegates to Congress States choose delegates to Congress Each state gets one vote in Congress Each state gets one vote in Congress Congressional Committees serve the functions of the Executive and Judicial branches Congressional Committees serve the functions of the Executive and Judicial branches The leader of the Congress is the President of the Congress BUT NOT the President of the United States The leader of the Congress is the President of the Congress BUT NOT the President of the United States Powers: Powers: Establish international treaties Establish international treaties Establish economic system Establish economic system Settle disputes between states Settle disputes between states Make war and peace Make war and peace Borrow money Borrow money Build an army and navy Build an army and navy

4. States’ Obligations Obey acts of Congress Obey acts of Congress Provide the central government with money and troops Provide the central government with money and troops Treat all states “equally and fairly” Treat all states “equally and fairly” Maintain open travel between the states Maintain open travel between the states Allowed to make all other decisions for themselves Allowed to make all other decisions for themselves

5. Weaknesses Each state gets only one vote regardless of population Each state gets only one vote regardless of population Congress can not collect taxes Congress can not collect taxes Congress can not regulate interstate or international trade Congress can not regulate interstate or international trade No way to enforce acts of Congress No way to enforce acts of Congress No national court system No national court system No firm unity between the states No firm unity between the states

6. Breakdown During the war the state stay together due to a common enemy and cause During the war the state stay together due to a common enemy and cause After the war ends in 1783, the states start to have problems After the war ends in 1783, the states start to have problems Some states: Some states: Refuse to obey acts of Congress Refuse to obey acts of Congress Make treaties and trade deals with other countries Make treaties and trade deals with other countries Create their own armies Create their own armies Tax other states for interstate travel and trade Tax other states for interstate travel and trade Make their own money Make their own money Shay’s Rebellion showed a huge weakness Shay’s Rebellion showed a huge weakness The wealthy began to call for a different system of government due to a start of economic chaos The wealthy began to call for a different system of government due to a start of economic chaos May 1787A meeting starts in Philadelphia to fix the Article of Confederation May 1787A meeting starts in Philadelphia to fix the Article of Confederation