Articles of Confederation

1. Articles of Confederation

2. After the Declaration of Independence… • Each of the former colonies became independent nations • The central government had total sovereignty • Each was free to do as they pleased • Very jealously guarded the newly achieved freedom

3. After the Declaration of Independence… • Each nation was responsible for defense • Each nation was militarily weak • Biggest problem was how to provide defense and not give up any of the newly achieved freedom

4. After the Declaration of Independence… • Nations began to negotiate a method of providing common defense • Was difficult because they wanted to preserve their newly achieved freedom.

5. After much negotiation…. • The former colonies agreed to give a small amount of power to a central government (the United States) • The former nations retained their sovereignty

6. After much negotiation…. • The document they signed was the Articles of Confederation

7. Articles of Confederation “Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled."

8. The Legislative Branch • The legislature was called Congress • Congress was unicameral • Had one house • Congress was the dominant branch of the government

9. The Legislative Branch • "No state shall be represented in Congress by less than two, nor by more than seven Members” • Members of Congress were chosen and paid by state legislatures • "In determining questions in the united states....each state shall have one vote."

10. The Legislative Branch • Passing measures required "a majority of the united states in congress assembled” • Very important issues required "nine states assent to the same"

11. The Legislative Branch • Amendments were required to be ... "agreed to in a congress of the united states, and be afterwards confirmed by the legislatures of every state."

12. The Executive Branch • "The united states in congress assembled shall have authority to appoint ...one of their number to ...serve in the office of president" • President was a figurehead • John Hanson of Maryland

13. The Judicial Branch • Was to resolve disputes between states • Had no courts or judges • Never resolved differences between states

14. As a Federal Government National government could…. Ø--Declare war Ø--Make treaties Ø--Coin money In these areas, states retained sovereignty so the national government was ineffective

15. As a Federal Government • National government could…. Ø--Resolve the problems with Indians Ø--Establish and maintain a post office These were problems the states had not been able to resolve

16. Three major weaknesses • No taxing power • No commerce power • No power to act on the citizens of the states

17. Several began to believe government under the Articles of Confederation was too weak • Most believed the Articles of Confederation were working

18. Ch… Ch…Ch… Changes • Commerce led to movement for change • Alexandria Conference • Annapolis Conference

19. Little Help??? In February, 1787, Congress put out a call for the states to send delegates to a convention in Philadelphia. The sole official purpose of the convention was to revise the Articles of Confederation