1. Strengths and Weakness of the Articles of Confederation

2. Powers of the National Government under the Articles
Declare War
Make peace
Sign treaties
Borrow money
Set standards for weights and measures
Establish Post Services
Deal with Native Americans

3. Greatest Achievements
Land Ordinance of 1785 – established a plan for surveying the land west of the Appalachian Mountains
Northwest Ordinance of 1787 – Congress provided a procedure for dividing the land into no less than three and more than five territories.

4. Requirements for the Northwest Ordinance
Congress would appoint a territorial governor.
When a territory reached 5,000 voting residents the settlers could write a temporary constitution and elect their own government.
Total population of territory – 60,000 – Settlers could apply for statehood.

5. Northwest Ordinance
The ordinance would establish a clear, orderly process by which new territories in the west could become states.
These laws established a blueprint for the growth of the new nation.

6. Weaknesses
Did not create a separate executive branch to enforce the laws of Congress.
No national court system.
Courts lacked unity- each state functioned as a separate entity. They pursued their own interests.
One state – One Vote

7. Weaknesses
Could not be amended without the consent of all of the states. Change is difficult.
Congress could not enact TAXES.
Congress could not REGULATE INTERSTATE COMMERCE or FOREIGN TRADE.
9 out of 13 states needed to agree to pass a law.

8. Weaknesses 13 states lacked unity
Most serious problem – ECONOMY – The war cost the treasury millions of $$$$$$$$.
The Continental Congress borrowed from foreign countries.
Paper money became worthless.

9. Foreign Relations Problems
The lack of support by states for national concerns gave Congress foreign relation problems because the U.S. could not pay back its debt.
As a result Spain shut down the Mississippi River. Hurts merchants

10. Fear of a Strong Government
Americans fear of giving the national government too much power had resulted in a government that lacked sufficient power to deal with the nation’s PROBLEMS