Warm-Up Answer the following on your notes sheet “The Articles of Confederation”: Imagine that you are creating your own government for a brand new country: -How will your government be structured? -Think about: How laws will be created What powers the government should have What rights the people should have, etc.

The Articles of Confederation After the American Revolution, the colonies are in need of a new government The Articles of Confederation establish a “firm league of friendship” amongst the states States retain their: Ability to tax Right to raise a militia Sovereignty

Structure of Government Congress (legislative branch) = creates the laws No president (executive branch) to enforce the laws No judicial branch to interpret the laws Powers that the federal government has: Borrow money Make treaties Declare war (but what do they need for that?)

What are some possible weaknesses that the Articles might have? Problems? What are some possible weaknesses that the Articles might have?

Strengths of the Articles of Confederation Organization of the land in the West Land Ordinances: laws passed that organize the western territory Northwest Ordinance of 1787: called for the creation of five new territories (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin)

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation The federal government is unable to tax or regulate commerce between the states The federal government does not have a standing army Many states have not paid off debt from the war The Articles of Confederation are difficult to amend (change) No executive or judicial branch

Story Time Imagine that you are a colonist living in Massachusetts. America has just declared its independence but there are a lot of problems with the new government under the Articles of Confederation. Write a letter to the newspaper explaining why you think the government should change. Focus on the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Consider using: -Shays’ Rebellion -International respect for America -Standing Army -Ability to tax