Strengths and Weakness of the Articles of Confederation

Powers of the National Government under the Articles Declare War Make peace Sign treaties Borrow money Set standards for weights and measures Establish Post Services Deal with Native Americans

Greatest Achievements Land Ordinance of 1785 – established a plan for surveying the land west of the Appalachian Mountains Northwest Ordinance of 1787 – Congress provided a procedure for dividing the land into no less than three and more than five territories.

Requirements for the Northwest Ordinance Congress would appoint a territorial governor. When a territory reached 5,000 voting residents the settlers could write a temporary constitution and elect their own government. Total population of territory – 60,000 – Settlers could apply for statehood.

Northwest Ordinance The ordinance would establish a clear, orderly process by which new territories in the west could become states. These laws established a blueprint for the growth of the new nation.

Weaknesses Did not create a separate executive branch to enforce the laws of Congress. No national court system. Courts lacked unity- each state functioned as a separate entity. They pursued their own interests. One state – One Vote

Weaknesses Could not be amended without the consent of all of the states. Change is difficult. Congress could not enact TAXES. Congress could not REGULATE INTERSTATE COMMERCE or FOREIGN TRADE. 9 out of 13 states needed to agree to pass a law.

Weaknesses 13 states lacked unity Most serious problem – ECONOMY – The war cost the treasury millions of $$$$$$$$. The Continental Congress borrowed from foreign countries. Paper money became worthless.

Foreign Relations Problems The lack of support by states for national concerns gave Congress foreign relation problems because the U.S. could not pay back its debt. As a result Spain shut down the Mississippi River. Hurts merchants

Fear of a Strong Government Americans fear of giving the national government too much power had resulted in a government that lacked sufficient power to deal with the nation’s PROBLEMS