The Articles of Confederation

Post Revolution Americans win a stunning victory over Britain Still had no respect from Britain Britain kept troops on frontier posts in the U.S. Britain kept troops on frontier posts in the U.S. British know new government weak and ineffective Americans struggling to survive

State Constitutions After 1776, Congress asked states to create constitutions Americans cautious about a strong leader Didn’t want another king George Didn’t want another king George Most states created a bicameral government Limits power of the head executive Limits power of the head executive Keeps power with the people Keeps power with the people

The First Government Most Americans favored a weak central government Articles of Confederation in November 1777 States give little power to a national government Called “a firm league of friendship” Called “a firm league of friendship” Gave government right to conduct foreign affairs, maintain armed forces, borrow money, and issue currency

Success of the Articles Land in the west was controlled by the federal government Assigned plan for statehood Divides west into 10 territories Divides west into 10 territories When population reached a certain level, territory could apply for statehood When population reached a certain level, territory could apply for statehood Ordinance of 1785 Divides west into townships Divides west into townships Divides townships into sections of land Divides townships into sections of land

Weaknesses of The Articles of Confederation Weak central government could not regulate trade Could not force soldiers into the army Could not impose taxes The national congress had to beg the states for almost everything No chief executive (a president) to enforce its laws

The Failure Financial crisis Money in the colonies was completely worthless States printed own money States printed own money No gold or silver to back it up No gold or silver to back it up Congress still owed large debts Still owed soldiers for fighting in the Revolution Still owed soldiers for fighting in the Revolution Could not tax Could not tax

World Issues British forcing Americans out of world trade British Royal Navy strongest in the world British Royal Navy strongest in the world Spain closed American access to the Mississippi River Americans believe this was their God-given lifeline Americans believe this was their God-given lifeline Americans begin to agree a stronger national government was necessary