1. Warm Up 10-29-13 What is a Constitution?
Give your definition of what you think a constitution is and what it does.
A constitution is a document that provides the fundamental plan of operation for a government.

2. The Articles of Confederation

3. Confederation Articles of what?
A confederation is an organization that consists of a number of parties or groups united in an alliance or league.

4. Drafted By the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1777
Established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states
Served as the United States’ first constitution

5. NOW LETS PLAY STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
The Articles of confederation was written so that the federal government could not levy (put) taxes on the states without the approval of each state.
WEAKNESS

6. WEAKNESS STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
Each state received one vote when making decisions regardless of the population or size of the state. Every state’s opinion carried an equal amount of weight.
WEAKNESS

7. WEAKNESS STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
One strong legislative branch with no executive or judicial branch. There was no national court system, each state was required to have their own individual courts.
WEAKNESS

8. STRENGTH STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
The Articles of Confederation made it possible for the federal government to declare war on other nations when necessary.
STRENGTH

9. STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
Each state was able to have its own individual currency (money) to promote growth in its economy.
WEAKNESS

10. STRENGTH STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
The federal government could coin money to stimulate the economy and grow economic influence.
STRENGTH

11. STRENGTH STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
The AOC allowed the federal government to establish post offices and expand its communication system.
STRENGTH

12. WEAKNESS STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
According to the Articles of Confederation there could be no standing military (no organized Army or Navy). Each state was allowed to have a militia and as many regular soldiers needed to protect important places.
WEAKNESS

13. STRENGTH STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
The federal government could send and recall ambassadors to other countries to improve foreign affairs and build relationships with other countries.
STRENGTH

14. WEAKNESS STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
In order for a law to be passed, ALL thirteen states must agree on it. Without unanimous approval, no new laws could be put into place.
WEAKNESS

15. WEAKNESS STRENGTH or WEAKNESS
The AOC made it so that the Federal government had no say in the trade of goods within the states. The states were able to impose their own tariffs (taxes) on each other.
WEAKNESS