Articles of Confederation U.S. First Attempt at Government

Articles of Confederation ► After declaring independence in 1776, the Continental Congress formed a committee to write a plan of government for the country ► The result was our first national constitution, the Articles of Confederation ► The Articles of Confederation had a few achievements, but there were serious problems that would need to be addressed (this would lead to the Constitutional Convention)

Creation of the Articles of Confederation ► Many people feared giving too much power to a central government because of their recent experience under British rule ► People also feared that some states would be given more power than others in the new government ► These two fears caused the Founders to create a weak central government

Government under the Articles of Confederation ► Each state had 1 vote, no matter how large its population ► The legislature (called the Confederation Congress) had only one house ► There was no executive branch to carry out the laws passed by Congress ► The country was run by congressional committees, causing much confusion

Government under the Articles of Confederation ► The states were afraid that Congress might be able to control them – so they made sure that Congress was weak and its powers limited ► The states kept most of the power and every action by Congress needed the consent and approval of the states ► 9 of the 13 states had to approve any decision made before it became law ► All 13 states had to agree to any change made in the Articles of Confederation

Achievements of the Articles of Confederation ► Successfully waged the war for independence against England ► Negotiated the Treaty of Paris to end the war ► Provided that each state recognize the laws of other states and that citizens could travel freely between states ► Passed the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 – organizing the lands in the northwest

Problems under the Articles of Confederation ► Congress had no money and no power to get it. ► Congress had no power over the state governments and their citizens.

Problems under the Articles of Confederation ► Congress could not make the states live up to trade agreements made with foreign nations. This made people in foreign countries unwilling to trade with the United States. ► Congress could not protect American citizens from unfair discrimination by the states. Many Americans who had supported the British had their property taken from them and debts owed to them were not paid.

Problems under the Articles of Confederation ► People who were being hurt by these actions argued that the state governments were not protecting their property. They believed all states should use the same money. Many people began to think that a stronger national government was needed.

Shay’s Rebellion – the Final Straw ► By 1786, America was suffering financially. Many people were in debt and soldiers who had fought in the Revolution still had not been paid. Congress could not control the country and people were growing uneasy. ► Then an event occurred which finally convinced many Americans that it was time for a change: Shay’s Rebellion.

Shay’s Rebellion – the Final Straw ► Farmers in America were suffering financial hardships and could not pay their debts or state taxes – many had their property taken away or were imprisoned ► Farmers began to close down local courthouses to prevent their farms being taken away. In November 1786, farmers in Massachusetts gathered under Daniel Shays ► Shay’s followers tried to capture a weapons arsenal to use against the state government

Shay’s Rebellion - Consequences ► Although the rebellion failed, it frightened property owners throughout America ► The national government had not been able to put down the rebellion because it had no troops. People were concerned about law and order. ► This rebellion, along with the problems of the Articles, gave rise to the call for a new constitution. ► Congress invited the states to send delegates to a convention in Philadelphia “for the sole purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation”.