A Confederation of States Goals Understand early state

A Confederation of States Goals: Understand early state governments Understand how the Articles of Confederation were created

Brand Spankin’ New • All early state constitutions called for REPUBLICS • Most wanted strong legislatures and weak governors • Unicameral – one house legislature • Bicameral – two house legislature • Voters were now choosing everyone in the government

Voting Rights • Pennsylvania opened voting to all men over 21 who paid taxes • Most states required ownership of property to vote • Slaves and women were excluded

Freedom of Religion • Most states wrote it into their constitutions • States stopped supporting religious organizations with taxes • Massachusetts and Connecticut kept their Congregational established churches • The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom of 1786 became the basis for our First Amendment right today

Creation of the Articles of Confederation • Designed in 1777, it was a loose confederation of 13 states • Centralized power was seen as a threat to liberty • Federal government consisted of appointed delegates • Each state had a single vote, regardless of population • No president or executive branch

Powers of the National Congress • • Can declare and conduct war Can negotiate peace Can regulate foreign affairs Can administer relations with Indian nations No power to tax A majority of 7 states can pass a law All states had to agree to amendments The A of C was ratified in 1781