1. Historical Situation at time of Constitution

2. Spoiler Alert!!!
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. Articles of Confederation
“Friendship League”
Loose affiliation of states, every state had their own constitution and way of doing things.
Because we feared a monarch
EPIC FAIL
Articles did not work for several specific weaknesses

4. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
One vote for each state, regardless of size
Congress was powerless to lay and collect taxes
Congress was powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce
No Executive Branch
No national court system
Unanimous decision to amend the articles
9/13th majority is needed to pass laws
States could coin money

5. Shays Rebellion Straw that broke the Camel’s back
A 1786 rebellion in which an army of 1500 farmers took over Massachusetts for shutting down their farms.
Should not have been a big deal, but National Government could not raise an army.
Shay’s Rebellion led to the end of the Articles of Confederation.