Articles of Confederation 17811789 The United States in

Articles of Confederation 17811789

The United States in 1787

Occupational Composition of Several State Assemblies in the 1780 s

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation A unicameral* Congress [9 of 13 votes to pass a law]. 13 out of 13 to amend. Representatives were frequently absent. Could not tax or raise armies. No executive or judicial branches. *One legislative body

Why were the Articles of Confederation so weak? Ao. C writers disliked… So under the Ao. C… Taxation without representation The federal government could not tax A large central government States didn’t have to follow that had absolute power federal laws and treaties Having to follow British legislation States had their own laws and didn’t have to follow other states’ laws Lots of power was in the king’s hands No executive branch or national court system The king could change laws at any time Any amendment required all 13 states’ approval 5

What were the Problems? • Since the federal government could not tax, it was very difficult to raise money • Since states didn’t have to follow laws and treaties, the federal government had no assurance that individual states would follow them • Each state had its own laws, which made it difficult for the country to act in a united way. Congress couldn’t pay back debts from the revolution and couldn’t get states to work together to encourage commerce. 6

What were the Problems? • Since there was no executive branch, the government could not defend its borders. • Since there was no executive branch and national court system, the government could not enforce its laws • Any amendment required all 13 states’ approval, so the Ao. C was very difficult to modify 7

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 A major accomplishment of the Confederation Congress Important provisions: 1. Laid out a way for states to enter the union 2. Each state had equal footing with original states 3. No slavery allowed in any state in the region

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786 -7 Western MA. Small farmers angered by crushing debts and taxes. Crushed by Mass. Militia Congress unable to send $ Wealthy donate $ to militia to put down the rebellion. Wealthy not so happy w/Congress