1. 5.1: Experimenting with Confederation
Bell Work:
Concerns of a New Nation
Mini-lesson:
Experimenting w/ Confederation
Homework:
Homework Ch. 5 packet due Wed. 10/19

2. Problems Facing New Nation
united under common goal in Am Rev, but now what?
relationship b/w states and nat’l gov’t
each colony own political unit (distinct, self-governing style)
- reluctant to unite under ONE central gov’t
balance interests of individual states vs. one nation

3. Unity Through a Republic
democracy? educated, “no thanks”
republic? educated, "yes please”
DEMOCRACY
EVERYONE participates in EVERY decision
no protection of individual rights
not practical for large countries
potential turbulence and violence
REPUBLIC
governed by established set of laws
protection of individual rights
ideal for large, diverse populations
avoids extremes

4. Unity Through a Republic
different theories of a good republic:
- people who put good of nation above own good OR
- people act in own best interests  best interest of nation = “hands-off gov’t”

5. State Constitutions
each created OWN
similarities:
- limit power of gov’t leaders
- rights of citizens (speech, religion, press)
- liberty over equality
differences:
- voting rights (all white males? property ownership? women? African Americans?)

6. Continental Congress Debates
how to draft constitution for states as a whole?
Rep by pop. or state?
Can supreme power be divided?
Who gets western lands?

7. Articles of Confederation
1st constitution: plan for gov’t (laws, powers, structure, processes)
colonists biggest fear  STRONG NAT’L GOV’T = new monarchy?
Sets up confederation of states (alliance)
- each independent
- states more rights than national gov’t

8. Land Ordinance (1785) and NW Ordinance (1787)
greatest achievement of A of C
process of admitting new states
- survey and divide land claims
- multiple steps

9. United States of America Articles of Confederation
Objective: To examine the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
United States of America
Articles of Confederation

10. The Articles of Confederation
America’s 1st Constitution
Why did the Founding Fathers Choose a Confederation plan of government?
Why Did the Founding Fathers believe the Articles needed to be replaced by the US Constitution?
Strengths
Weaknesses
The first system of government designed by the Founding Fathers was a Confederation. Under a Confederate system, the National or Central Government is given only a few powers, while most of the power is reserved for the States.

11. The Articles of Confederation
America’s 1st Constitution
The Articles had 2 major achievements:
Bringing the Revolutionary War to a successful conclusion
North West Ordinance (plan for governing the western lands)

12. The Articles of Confederation
America’s 1st Constitution
Strengths
Weaknesses
Congress was given the power to:
Declare War &
Establish an Army/Navy
No Power to Draft Soldiers

13. The Articles of Confederation
America’s 1st Constitution
Strengths
Weaknesses
Congress was given the power to:
Make Peace & Sign Treaties
No Power to Enforce Treaties

14. The Articles of Confederation
America’s 1st Constitution
Strengths
Weaknesses
Congress was given the power to:
No Power to Collect Taxes from the States
Borrow Money

15. The Articles of Confederation
America’s 1st Constitution
Strengths
Weaknesses
Congress was given the power to:
Organize a
Post Office

16. The Articles of Confederation
America’s 1st Constitution
Strengths
Weaknesses
Congress was given the power to:
No Chief Executive
No national court system
No Power to Regulate Interstate Commerce
No National Currency
Difficult to Pass laws (2/3 vote)

17. The Articles of Confederation
America’s 1st Constitution
Strengths
Weaknesses
Congress was given the power to:
Difficult to Amend
(unanimous vote needed to change the articles)

18. The Articles of Confederation
No Chief Executive
No National Court System
No Power to Draft Soldiers
No Power to Control Interstate Commerce
No Power to Enforce Treaties
No Power to Collect Taxes from the States
Difficult to Pass Laws (2/3 vote)
No National Currency
Difficult to Amend
(Unanimous Vote Needed to Change Articles)
Congress given the power to:
Declare War
Make Peace
Sign Treaties
Borrow Money
Establish an Army & Navy
Organize a Post Office

19. Conclusion
Why did the Founding Fathers Choose a Confederation plan of government?
They feared that a strong central government would create tyranny, and stamp out the peoples natural God given rights.

20. Shay’s rebellion proved the need to strengthen the government.
Conclusion
Why Did the Founding Fathers believe the Articles needed to be replaced by the US Constitution?
The nation needed to function as ONE united country & not 13 small unorganized nations.
Shay’s rebellion proved the need to strengthen the government.