1. The Articles of Confederation

2. Imagine you are in a marching band and there is no sheet music
Imagine you are in a marching band and there is no sheet music. Each person is playing their own music. What are some problems you see with this?

3. Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
November March 1781: a Confederation (partnership) of independent equal states was formed
Because of the experience of the American Revolution, Americans were frightened by a strong central government and showed more loyalty to their states
The new national government contained only one branch
Unicameral legislature
No power to enforce laws or settle disputes.

4. Problems with the Articles of Confederation
No National court system
Consequence:
Each state’s laws could conflict with each other

5. Problems with the Articles of Confederation
No Chief Executive (President)
Consequence:
No one could check the power of the Congress

6. Problems with the Articles of Confederation
Only one legislative body (Congress)
Consequences:
There was no other body of government to check the Congress’s power

7. Problems with the Articles of Confederation
Couldn’t collect taxes
Consequences:
The national government couldn’t raise any money
Soldiers didn’t get paid

8. Problems with the Articles of Confederation
Couldn’t regulate trade between the states or with other countries
Consequence:
Each state had different tax rates of imported goods FROM OTHER STATES.
Each state had different trade agreements with OTHER NATIONS.

9. Problems with the Articles of Confederation
There was no national currency.
Each state printed their own money!
Consequences:
Each state’s money was not valued the same.
Trade between states was difficult to impossible.
Money was very easy to counterfeit

10. Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
Congress had no money and could not levy taxes; it could only ask states for “voluntary contributions”
Congress had no power to regulate trade between states or with foreign nations
Congress failed to protect citizens from state discrimination and economic difficulties after the war

11. What is the solution? A NEW CONSTITUTION!!!!!!!
A new form of government?
Who will represent Georgia?
Abraham Baldwin
William Few
A NEW CONSTITUTION!!!!!!!