THE CRITICAL PERIOD Chapter 2 Section 3 What weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation made a lasting government impossible?

Articles of Confederation Considered a “firm league of friendship” among the states. Each state kept its sovereignty, freedom and independence. The United States, did however, come together for common defense, securities of liberties, and mutual and general welfare Ratification, or approval, of the Articles of Confederation needed the approval of all 13 states. 11 states agreed to the document within the year Delaware and Maryland were the last two states to ratify the articles Articles became effective on March 1, 1781

Governmental Structure Very simple structure Congress was the sole body created Unicameral Delegates chosen yearly, by the States in whatever their legislature might direct Each state had one vote Person “in charge” of the United States would be the presiding officer; chosen yearly

Powers of Congress Could make peace and war Send and receive ambassadors Make treaties Borrow money Set up a money system Establish post offices Build a navy; raise an army Fix uniform standards of weights and measures Settle disputes among states

State Obligations Provide and fund troops requested by Congress Treat citizens of other states fairly and equally Recognize other state’s laws and judicial proceedings State’s agree to surrender fugitives from one justice to another Submit disputes amongst each other to Congress for settlement Allow open travel and trade between and among the states States, did however, retained those powers not explicitly given to the Congress.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation The powers of the Congress appear, at first glance, to have been considerable. Several important powers were missing, however. Their omission, together with other weaknesses, soon proved the Articles inadequate to the needs of time. Congress DID NOT have the power: to tax! Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation One vote for each State, regardless of size Congress powerless to lay and collect taxes or duties Congress powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce No national court system Amendment only with consent of all States A 9/13 majority to pass laws Articles only a “firm league of friendship”

A Need for a Stronger Government The Articles had created a government unable to deal with the nation’s troubles. The need for a stronger more effective government was inevitable. Large property owners, merchants, traders and other creditors, those who were the most threatened by economic and political instability, took the lead in a movement towards a stronger government

Mount Vernon Maryland and Virginia, plagued by bitter trade disputes, took the first step towards change They ignored Congress and agreed to a conference on their trade problems Representatives from both states met in Alexandria, Va. George Washington was later invited them to his home The negotiations proved so successful that the Virginia General Assembly called for a joint meeting of all states to recommend a federal plan for regulation commerce.

Annapolis The meeting with all the states opened in Annapolis, MD. Turnout was poor; 5 of the 13 states were represented Disappointed, but hopeful, the convention called for yet another meeting of the States By 1787, seven states had named delegates to the Philadelphia meeting Delaware, Georgia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia The Philadelphia meeting became the Constitutional Convention