The Articles of Confederation Main Idea In order to carry on the war and build a new nation, Americans had to create a framework of government, but their first attempt had many weaknesses. What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Independence has been declared, now what? The Articles of Confederation Established a confederation—an association of independent sovereign states with certain common goals Formally adopted the Articles of Confederation in November 1777 Powers of the new government The states retained most of their powers. Weak national government Legislative branch, Continental Congress Each state had only one vote, regardless of population.

A New National Government The Articles of Confederation did the following… Establish national policies and conduct foreign relations, including relations with Native American nations Set up post offices Establish an army Declare war

Weakness of the Articles of Confederation 9 of the 13 states had to agree on any major law. All 13 states had to agree to amend the Articles. Each state has 1 representative, no matter the size. No power to impose or collect taxes (large war debts). Every state had their own currency. Could not afford an army or navy. Could not control states' commerce (imports/exports). No national court system. Did not address the question of new states.

Additional Problems With the states With foreign nations Congress had very little power over individual states. Congress could not settle disputes between states because there was no national court system. With foreign nations Because it was so weak, Congress had trouble taking advantage of the territory that the United States had won in the Treaty of Paris. The British did not abandon their forts in the Great Lakes region. The British and their Native American allies kept American settlers out of the Northwest Territory. Negotiating with Spain about uses of the Mississippi and port of New Orleans was difficult.

More Problems Economic Private citizens and businesses in every state had money problems after the Revolutionary War. New England’s trade with Britain and the British West Indies was lost. Traders had to pay high custom duties. The Southern economy was hurt without Britain’s purchasing of their goods (indigo, cotton, tobacco) Paper money that was not backed by gold and silver was issued and led to inflation. States could levy taxes. Some states required taxes be paid in gold and silver People who could not pay were jailed.

Questions Were the problems with the Articles of Confederation too great to amend to make the Confederation work? Why or why not? What would attract the revolutionaries to support the Articles of Confederation? What problem with Articles of Confederation is the most worrisome?

Textbook Questions Read page 136 “Congress Creates the Articles of confederation” Questions Who made up the Congress? Why were executive powers assigned to committees made up of members of Congress? Why did the Articles limit the powers of the national government? Read page 140 – 141 “Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation” Why did Congress need money? Why did Congress lack the money it needed? What failed solution showed that the Articles themselves were part of the problem? Look at the list of weaknesses of the Articles. Which was the greatest weakness and why?