[ 4.1 ] A Weak Confederation

[ 4.1 ] A Weak Confederation Learning Objectives Explain why state governments wrote constitutions. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Describe the process the Articles created for admitting new states. Explain why many Americans called for changes to the Articles. Summarize Shays' Rebellion and how it influenced leaders to change the Articles of Confederation.

[ 4.1 ] A Weak Confederation Key Terms constitution bill of rights Articles of Confederation ceded currency Land Ordinance of 1785 Northwest Ordinance depression Shays’ Rebellion

Each State Creates a Constitution State governments vary from state to state. In forming a government, most states wrote constitutions. A constitution is a document that sets out the basic laws, principles, organization, and processes of a government. States wrote constitutions for two reasons. First, a written constitution would spell out the rights of all citizens. Second, it would limit the power of government.

Each State Creates a Constitution The constitution of the state of Massachusetts declared that the primary purpose of the Massachusetts state government is to protect the natural rights of its inhabitants.

The Articles of Confederation As citizens formed state governments, the Continental Congress was drafting a plan for the nation as a whole. Delegates believed that the colonies needed to be united by a national government in order to win independence.

The Articles of Confederation Strengths and Weaknesses Debates Over Western Lands

The Articles of Confederation The Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation in 1777. The Articles spelled out the first constitution of American government.

The Articles of Confederation Analyze Maps Based on the information in the map, what problems did the U.S. government face as the country expanded westward?

Weaknesses of the Confederation By 1783, the United States had won its independence. Yet, the end of the American Revolution did not solve the confederation’s troubles. Americans had reason to doubt whether “these United States” could survive.

Weaknesses of the Confederation Many States Have Disagreements Concerns Over Debt and Currency Foreign Countries Promote Their Own Interests

Weaknesses of the Confederation The currency issued by the Continental Congress lost value throughout the war. After the war, the United States owed millions of dollars to individuals and foreign nations.

An Orderly Expansion Despite its troubles, Congress did pass important laws about how to govern the Northwest Territory. This was the U.S. territory west of Pennsylvania, north of the Ohio River, south of the Great Lakes, and east of the Mississippi. The laws established how territories would be governed and how they could become states.

An Orderly Expansion Analyze Information How did the Northwest Ordinance help to reduce conflict between the states as settlement expanded westward beyond traditional state boundaries?

Economic Problems Lead to Change The Northwest Ordinance was the finest achievement of the national government under the Articles. Still, the government was unable to solve its economic problems. After the Revolution, the nation suffered an economic depression. A depression is a period when business activity slows, prices and wages fall, and unemployment rises.

Economic Problems Lead to Change Farmers Demand Fair Treatment A Call For Revision

Economic Problems Lead to Change A typical farm during the Revolutionary War could borrow the money it needed to continue producing goods because demand for them was high.

Quiz: Each State Creates a Constitution A bill of rights is a A. document that sets laws and processes of government. B. list of freedoms a government promises to protect. C. plan for the legislature. D. plan for voting rights.

Quiz: The Articles of Confederation Before Maryland would agree to approve the Articles of Confederation, it insisted that A. Virginia give Congress its claims to lands west of the Appalachians. B. Virginia give Maryland its claims to lands west of the Appalachians. C. all states claiming lands west of the Appalachians give up their claims. D. all states give Maryland their claims to lands west of the Appalachians.

Quiz: Weaknesses of the Confederation Who had the power to resolve the dispute between New Hampshire and New York regarding Vermont? A. no one B. Congress C. the state militias D. the Continental Army

Quiz: An Orderly Expansion What was the requirement for a territory to be able to apply for admission to the nation as a new state? A. a majority vote of its settlers B. proof that it could govern itself C. a minimum of 60,000 free settlers D. sale of all sections in all townships

Quiz: Economic Problems Lead to Change Which of the following was an important effect of Shays’ Rebellion? A. more powerful state militias B. more power given to Congress C. the establishment of a new national military force D. a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation