Weaknesses of the of Presented July 12 1776

Weaknesses of the of

Presented July 12, 1776

A hasty effort… “Inventing a nation” while fighting for independence

Ratified (approved) in 1781

Emphasized Strong state government Weak national government Called: “a firm league of friendship among independent states”

The states were sovereign NH NC MA SC RI NJ NC PN DL GA��MD control NY VA control Articles of Confederation National Gov’t

Lasted only 8 years The “Critical years” 1781 - 1789

Weaknesses: Why did our st 1 National Constitution last only 8 years ?

No Executive (President) How would laws be enforced?

No National Judiciary (Supreme Court) How would disputes between states be resolved?

Congress couldn’t regulate trade States had serious trade disputes

Congress could not tax

Tax money needed for post offices and other government functions ?

No way to raise an army or navy NO $$$$$

State militias were the first lines of defense

Distrust of standing armies (permanent)

No national currency (money)

State chartered banks printed their own money Made trade and travel difficult / expensive Caused inflation

Shay’s Rebellion Led to frustration and violence

Congress needed a 2/ majority 3 to pass laws (9 of 13 states)

The unanimous vote of Congress (all 13 states) needed to amend Articles of Confederation

Made the Articles very inflexible Today’s Constitution is difficult, but not impossible, to change

Conclusion Distrust of central authority (Parliament) led to this confederate system of government

Weaknesses of our confederate system led to a Constitutional Convention in 1787