Challenges of the New Nation

What were the Articles of Confederation? Articles of Confederation: The first constitution (plan of government) of the United States. It was written during the Revolution to create the laws of the new national government.

Problems with the Articles of Confederation 1. Provided for a weak national government 2. Congress had no power to tax and regulate commerce 3. Provided for no common currency (money) 4. Gave each state one vote (size) 5. Provided for no executive or judicial branch

The Articles of Confederation: Weakness 1: Provided for a weak national government Gave individual states the power over their own affairs. (problems/decisions that needed to be made)

The Articles of Confederation: Weakness 2: Congress had no power to tax and regulate commerce Congress’ authority was limited (couldn’t make decisions for the states) Any power not given to Congress belonged to the states Congress could declare war and peace, but had no power to levy taxes. (make people pay taxes) Congress could command an army and navy and handle foreign affairs Congress could make laws but could not make the states follow the laws

The Articles of Confederation: Weakness 3: Provided for no common currency (money)

The Articles of Confederation: Weakness 4: Gave each state one vote This was meant to make each state equal Many people thought representation should be based on the number of people in each state (States with more people should have more votes) Rhode Island Virginia

The Articles of Confederation: Weakness 5: Provided for no executive or judicial branch The government could not make sure the states followed the laws. No one made sure that the laws were fair.

Northwest Ordinance Purpose: Land north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River would become part of the United States. Established laws for governing the territory.

Laws of the Northwest Territory Freedom of religion Rights if accused of crime Public Education Indian land rights Adding new states No slavery in territory

Independent Work Answer the following questions on your worksheet and complete the chart. What problem do you think had the most effect on the struggling nation and why? How would life be different today if the government operated under the Articles of Confederation?