2.3 The Articles of Confederation Essential Questions What were the Articles of Confederation? Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? What did America do to create a stronger government in the 1780’s?

United States of America Articles of Confederation Objective: To examine the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. United States of America Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation 1st American Government Created in 1777, ratified in 1781, replaced in 1787 Powers: Declare war, settle disputes among states, deal with national finances A “firm league of friendship”.

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? 1. Currency Issues The United States did not have a common currency. Americans carried money from the federal government, state government, and foreign nations.

This caused an increase in inflation. Merchants stopped accepting money from outside of their own state.

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? 2. No power to tax and a large national debt Examples: - The U.S. owed money to France, Holland, and Spain for loans made during the Revolutionary War. - The U.S. had not paid their own soldiers

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? 3. International and Domestic Problems The U.S. lacked the military power for defense. States acted as individuals and seldom agreed. Example: - Connecticut and Virginia almost went to war over land claims!

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? 4. No Courts (Judicial Branch) The nation lacked a national court system. Supreme Court

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? 5. No President (Executive Branch) There was no one to enforce laws. White House

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? 6. Weak Congress (Legislative Branch) Congress had one house. (unicameral) Laws needed approval of nine states. Congress was responsible to the states, not the people. Congress had no power to collect taxes or regulate trade (major problems).

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? 7. Very difficult to change anything 13/13 states needed to amend

What occurred to signal the end of the Articles of Confederation?

1. Trade Issues We were not recognized as a legitimate nation and European countries treated us unfairly States were competing against each other Farmers and business owners alike were suffering

2. Shays’ Rebellion • Farmer’s income decreased while taxes increased. • Farmers who could not pay their debts had their farms taken away by the courts. No U.S. military to stop them, Massachusetts sent out militia

• Shays’ Rebellion convinced people that the U. S • Shays’ Rebellion convinced people that the U.S. needed a stronger government. • The Articles of Confederation needed to be replaced!

Why was it so hard to change? Cultural Differences Even more diversity now No sense of “American” Economic Differences Especially farming/slavery issues in south Geographic Isolation Still no technology