Historical Situation at time of Constitution

Spoiler Alert!!! WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Articles of Confederation “Friendship League” Loose affiliation of states, every state had their own constitution and way of doing things. Because we feared a monarch EPIC FAIL Articles did not work for several specific weaknesses

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation One vote for each state, regardless of size Congress was powerless to lay and collect taxes Congress was powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce No Executive Branch No national court system Unanimous decision to amend the articles 9/13th majority is needed to pass laws States could coin money

Shays Rebellion Straw that broke the Camel’s back A 1786 rebellion in which an army of 1500 farmers took over Massachusetts for shutting down their farms. Should not have been a big deal, but National Government could not raise an army. Shay’s Rebellion led to the end of the Articles of Confederation.