ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION strengths and weaknesses

The Declaration of Independence review Independence did not create any system of government to pull the former colonies together as a nation. In fact, the new states thought of themselves almost as 13 separate countries. STOP, THINK, WRITE

The Articles of Confederation The Second Continental Congress went to work on a government system. The result was a type of national government called a confederation. Signed in 1781 Confederation: Each state would keep its independence, but all would agree to work together on common concerns.

Articles of Confederation Legislative Executive (Governor) State courts Controlled taxes Controlled all Foreign and domestic trade One house Congress 1 state = 1 vote Declare war Sign treaties Coin money STOP, THINK, WRITE State power National power

Strengths Created a republic Passing of: LAND ORDINANCE OF 1785 Passing of: Northwest Ordinance THE LAND ORDINANCE OF 1785 -a law that developed a plan for surveying and selling the federally owned lands west of the Appalachian Mountains known as the “Northwest Territory”. Six mile square plots= township

Passing of: Northwest Ordinance described how the NW Territory was to be governed and set conditions for settlement and settlers’ rights. 5000 free males, must own 50acres of land= elect an assembly 60,000 people= apply for statehood No slaves Freedom of religion Trial by jury All access to rivers

STOP, THINK, WRITE: Why were the Land Ordinance and Northwest Ordinance important to the growth of our nation?

Weaknesses What problems do you think the Confederation Congress faced? Lacked power to tax U.S. citizens. No way to pay for costs of American Revolution. Asked states for money but had no power to force payment. Did not control trade (foreign or national). Lacked power to enforce laws. All states approval needed to amend Articles of Confederation. Nine states approval needed to ratify new laws. No executive branch No national court

The Constitution Increased powers of National government System of checks and balances Separation of powers 3 branches of government at both levels Later added a Bill of Rights STOP, THINK, WRITE State power National Powers

SAYING GOOD-BYE IS HARD! Write an Eulogy (tribute) for our first form of government, the Articles of Confederation. Should be written in formal language When it was “born”? Briefly summarize the Articles (successes & weaknesses). Describe its legacy (how did they affect the country we live in today). When did it “die”?