1. Articles of Confederation
America’s FIRST plan for government

2. ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
The colonies were fighting the war.
They agreed to work together until the war was over.
They wanted each state to have power, but they needed something to hold them together ( a national government)

3. Articles of Confederation-What is it?
first plan for government in the USA
A CONFEDERATION-a group of people who work together for a common purpose. (to win the war)

4. How was the government organized?
there was one branch of government (legislative- Congress)
No courts, no president

5. What powers did it give the US government?
National (US) Government could:
Vote for change
make laws
build an army

6. What powers were taken away from the US government?
The National Government COULD NOT:
Collect taxes
Control trade
Enforce laws

7. Why was the document ineffective?
No money to pay for army (couldn’t tax)
No one was enforcing the law
US government had no power over the states.

8. Is the Articles of Confederation used today?
No!!!! It is thrown out in 1787 and replaced by the US Constitution

9. Constitutional Convention
In 1787, the 13 state meet again to reconsider their plan for government
Met in Philadelphia in secret (didn’t want the public to know)
Question?-Do we keep the Articles or do we form a new government?
Needed to decide-Who will have power, the national government or the states? How will power be divided?
George Washington is chosen to serve as President on the Convention