Chapter 2 Section 3

1. Chapter 2 Section 3 The Critical Period

2. The Articles of Confederation • The First and Second Continental Congresses rested on no legal basis and was intended to be temporary. • Richard Henry Lee’s resolution led to the Declaration of Independence but it also called on Congress to form a “plan of confederation” • Then on November 15, 1777 the delegates approved the Articles of Confederation.

3. The Articles of Confederation • This established a league of friendship between the colonies. • Each state kept their sovereignty, freedom, and independence and every other power not expressed to the Confederation. • All 13 states had to ratify, or approve, this document. • This happened on March 1, 1781.

4. The Articles of Confederation • The setup of this government was very simple. • Congress was the sole body that was set up it was unicameral. • The delegates were chosen one per state during a yearly selection. • Each state had only one vote. • From these members a Presiding Officer was selected from the delegates. (Not a President)

5. The Articles of Confederation • Powers • It could make war/peace • Make treaties • Borrow money • Set up money • Build a Navy/Army • Settle disputes among the States

6. The Articles of Confederation • Weaknesses • One vote for each State, regardless of size • Congress powerless to lay and collect taxes or duties • Congress powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce • No executive to enforce the acts of Congress • No national court system • Amendment only with consent of all States • A 9/13 majority required to pass laws. • Only a firm “league of friendship”

7. The Articles of Confederation • The weaknesses took the toll on the states once the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 declaring the Revolutionary War was over. • The states were in debt and many of these war debts were not being paid back. • It was clear that the Articles were not going to work for a long term government.

8. The Articles of Confederation • The States began to bicker and started to tax one another’s goods. • They started to print their own money and economic chaos spread throughout the colonies.

9. Shay’s Rebellion • The most noteworthy of these problems started in western Massachusetts. • 1786 Daniel Shay led an uprising that forced the Supreme Court of Massachusetts close. • This was organized because many farmers and property owners began to lose their property because they could not pay their taxes. • So Shay gathered people and tried to attack a federal arsenal…..they were unsuccessful in their attack but the Massachusetts government passed laws to ease the government taxes.

10. A Need for Stronger Government • Demand for a stronger government began to take a hold within the states. • Maryland and Virginia were the first 2 states to meet and discuss this issue. • This meeting in Mount Vernon proved successful and they decided to call a joint meeting of all the states.

11. A Need for Stronger Government • So on September 11, 1786 in Annapolis, Maryland only 5 of the 13 states attended this meeting. • With attendance so low another meeting was set for later. • By mid-February of 1787 seven of the 13 colonies had delegates to attend the next meeting.

12. A Need for Stronger Government • Finally on February 21 Congress urged the states to send delegates as well and that meeting in Philadelphia became what we call the “Constitution Convention”