Articles of Confederation November 15, 1777

Articles of Confederation established a "firm league of friendship" an alliance among the 13 states rather than a nation. reflect the wariness by the states of a strong central government. states retained their "sovereignty, freedom and independence" with their own constitutions.

Articles of Confederation Samuel Huntington Thomas McKean John Hanson* Elias Boudinot Thomas Mifflin *Hanson was the first presiding officer of the Congress to use that title when dealing with foreign governments, diplomats, or treaties. Richard Henry Lee John Hancock Nathaniel Gorham Arthur St. Clair Cyrus Griffin Presidents of the United States in Congress Assembled

Articles of Confederation Congress Under the Articles conduct foreign affairs, declaring war or peace maintaining an army and navy request money from the states coin money and establish post offices one vote per state regardless of size

Articles of Confederation Congress Could NOT take state territory for the benefit of the country collect taxes or control commerce force compliance with national laws it made – required 9 of 13 states to approve establish courts

Problems with the Articles Hard to amend – required all states approval States so strong that no national problems could be solved. Could block int’l treaties. Europe had no faith in US unity. Revolutionary War debt owed to foreign governments and wealthy citizens Creditors began to demand payment –states issue new taxes and people object.

Shay’s Rebellion Merchants and lawmakers of Eastern Massachusetts pushed for taxes to repay debt owed them Taxes had to be paid in cash – gold or silver coin called specie – worth more than paper. Farmers in West faced hard times and jail if debt not paid. Many not paid for war service. Daniel Shays led a rebellion to protest tax collections

Effects of Shay’s Rebellion National government powerless to help stop the riots. Demonstrated need for strong National Government. Annapolis Convention Protesting taxes at a courthouse

Articles of Confederation 1) Land Ordinance of 1785 Raised needed money for national government Organized western territories for later settlement six-mile wide townships. Two important actions taken :

Articles of Confederation abolished claims to territory by states banned slavery in the territory & established civil rights governed process for creating new states placed territorial government under Congress 2) Northwest Ordinance of 1787