The Country’s First Government

Articles of Confederation It was our first constitution Created problem for the new United States

Each state was ready to govern themselves when independence was declared. However, some tasks were too big for individual states to handle

What did the Articles of Confederation do? Created a one house legislature Each state had one vote Confederation Congress Controlled the army Dealt with foreign countries Passed two major ordinances

Ordinance of 1785 A plan for surveying western lands. The ordinance described how western lands would be sold. They would be divided into townships 36 miles square and 36 section 1 square mile.

In 1787; The Northwest Ordinance This ordinance set up government called the Northwest Territory. This plan helped admit new states into the Union. This was considered the most important action under the Articles

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Lack of power and money – Congress had no power to collect taxes – Congress had no power to regulate trade – Congress had no power to enforce its laws Lack of Central power – No single leader or group directed government policy – No national court system Rules to rigid --Congress could not pass laws without the approval of 9 states --The Articles could not be changed without the agreement of 13 states.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Did not have the power to tax

Quick write Suppose that you are on a committee who will create the new constitution. In a short paragraph identify 3 freedoms that you want the constitution to guarantee and explain features of that constitution that will make it stronger than the Articles of Confederation.