Chapter 7 Section 1

State Governments Now that the U.S. was independent, how would the country set up its new government? During the war, states began setting up their own governments. In May 1776, the Continental Congress asked states to a adopt a Constitution (plan of government). Each state limited the power of the government. Most states had a governor and a legislature that was bicameral (two houses). Legislatures were more powerful and elected.

National Government What should they do about a national government? Republic – a government in which citizens rule through elected leaders. Most people favored a weak central government with the states having the power.

Articles of Confederation Articles of Confederation passed in Nov 1777. States worked together like a group of friends but each state still had lots of power. Congress could conduct foreign affairs, maintain an army, borrow money, and issue currency. Congress could not regulate trade, force citizens to join the army, or impose taxes. They had to ask state legislatures for money. No chief executive. Each state had one vote in Congress. All states had to agree to change the Articles. Adopted on March 1, 1781

Weaknesses Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Laws were difficult to pass with 9 of 13 states required and all 13 for amendments. Central government too weak to make decisions and carry them out.

Accomplishments Accomplishments of the Articles of Confederation America won independence Established foreign trade Settlement of western territories

Land In 1780s all states gave up land claims to west except Georgia. Western territories were divided into districts that could petition (apply for) statehood. Ordinance of 1785 – Surveyed Western lands into six mile square townships that could be divided into 36 sections of land. Northwest Ordinance – Lands divided into 3 to 5 territories that could become states with 60,000 people. Also guaranteed freedom of religion and trial by jury and stopped slavery.

Other Problems Other problems with the Articles 1. Massive inflation during the war continued and Congress had major debt. States did not give Congress enough money. Department of Finance led by Robert Morris wanted to start and import tax but the Articles could not be changed because of all 13 states needed for an amendment.

Problems cont. 2. Problems with Britain – Britain was supposed to remove troops but did not. British merchants stopped American merchants from trading in the West Indies. Britain refused to discuss the problem because loyalists had not got their property back.

Problems cont. 3. Problems with Spain – Spain closed the Mississippi River to American trade. America had difficulty fixing this problem because of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.