The document summarizes the Articles of Confederation, the first system of government for the United States after gaining independence from Britain. It established a weak national government with one branch of Congress that had limited powers. Individual states retained most authority and power. The Articles created a loose confederation of independent states that worked together for common interests like national defense. However, the Articles proved inadequate as the national government struggled due to its lack of strong central authority over important issues like taxation, foreign relations, and trade disputes between states.
The document summarizes the Articles of Confederation, the first system of government for the United States after gaining independence from Britain. It established a weak national government with one branch of Congress that had limited powers. Individual states retained most authority and power. The Articles created a loose confederation of independent states that worked together for common interests like national defense. However, the Articles proved inadequate as the national government struggled due to its lack of strong central authority over important issues like taxation, foreign relations, and trade disputes between states.
The document summarizes the Articles of Confederation, the first system of government for the United States after gaining independence from Britain. It established a weak national government with one branch of Congress that had limited powers. Individual states retained most authority and power. The Articles created a loose confederation of independent states that worked together for common interests like national defense. However, the Articles proved inadequate as the national government struggled due to its lack of strong central authority over important issues like taxation, foreign relations, and trade disputes between states.
The document summarizes the Articles of Confederation, the first system of government for the United States after gaining independence from Britain. It established a weak national government with one branch of Congress that had limited powers. Individual states retained most authority and power. The Articles created a loose confederation of independent states that worked together for common interests like national defense. However, the Articles proved inadequate as the national government struggled due to its lack of strong central authority over important issues like taxation, foreign relations, and trade disputes between states.
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UNIT 2: Structure of Government
Peterson | US GOVERNMENT
Articles of Confederation (1777-1789)
Background: During the Revolutionary War, the American colonies needed to coordinate their efforts against Britain. They created an emergency government to raise money for the war effort called The Continental Congress. After the Revolution the colonies were officially independent from Great Britain. They needed to create a system of government to run this new nation. The first system created was known as The Articles of Confederation and was adopted on November 15, 1777. In its final form, the Articles of Confederation were comprised of a preamble and 13 articles. Approved by the last of the 13 American states, Maryland, in 1781, the Articles became the ruling document in the new nation. The Articles created a nation that was "a league of friendship and perpetual union." Directions:
Review the chart and complete the questions.
The Articles of Confederation
Structure
Decisionmaking Money and Finances
Protection
Other
One branch of government: Congress, responsible for making national laws
Each state had one (1) vote in Congress No executive (President) No judicial branch 9 of 13 states had to approve a proposal before it could become a law All the states had to agree to change an existing law The Articles of Confederation could not collect taxes The A of C had to ask the individual states for money The A of C could print and borrow money Each state could regulate trade with other states Each state could tax its residents
The A of C managed agreements with other countries and Native Americans
The Articles of Confederation could appoint military officers Only the states could establish militias The A of C established a postal system weights and measures courts consequences for piracy
1.
Where did the Articles of Confederation place the most government power?
2.
Give two examples from the chart.
3.
WHY do you think the first government of the United States was set this way?
UNIT 2: Structure of Government
Peterson | US GOVERNMENT
Articles of Confederation hypotheticals
NOTE: The following situations are NOT 100% accurate are similar to those that existed after the Revolution, with the Articles of Confederation. Directions: Review each case study with your partner Use the chart of the Articles from todays class and Explain whether the Articles of Confederation could solve this problem (use another piece of paper to write your answers) 1.
Leanne Keene, French ambassador, arrives from Paris to tell you France needs the money it lent the colonies during the Revolution immediately. Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem? Why/Why not?
2.
Neil Thisse is a Loyalist who fled the colonies during the Revolution and has returned to reclaim his property in Dover, MA. According to the Treaty of Paris, he is entitled to his land. However, Massachusetts has passed a law that ignores the claims of former Loyalists. Charles appeals to the Articles for the return of his property. Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem? Why/Why not?
3.
A group of poor farmers in Massachusetts, led by Taylor Coutts and John Sullivan is angered by war debts, bad harvests and high taxes. When their debt-ridden farms are taken by the bank, they march on the state capital in protest. Massachusetts sends their militia to try to stop them and appeals to Congress for assistance. Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem? Why/Why not?
4.
Both New Hampshire and New York desire more territory for settlers within their states. New land would increase trade, profit and power for their individual states. They claim Vermont territory and appeal to the Articles to settle the dispute. Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem? Why/Why not?
5.
Foreign countries do not respect American independence. Although the Treaty of Paris granted the United States all the land east of the Mississippi, Britain refuses to withdraw troops from the Ohio Valley. In addition, Spain closes New Orleans port to American farmers. Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem? Why/Why not?
6.
Some individual states have abolished slavery in their constitutions. Confederation delegates Nevin Weinberg and Dani Kwatcher propose an amendment to abolish slavery in the entire country. Can the Articles of Confederation solve this problem? Why/Why not?
