Articles of Confederation

What is it?

The “Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union” is the name of the first constitution of the U.S. The agreement was the “law of the land” from 1781-1789.

When did it happen?

It was drafted by the same Continental Congress that passed the Declaration of Independence.

This document gave the original 13 colonies a set of rules.

A WAY TO GOVERN THEMSELVES!

It was created during the Revolutionary War and reflects the founding father’s desire to avoid an overbearing central authority (like the king of England!)

The “Articles of Confederation” established a “firm league of friendship” among the 13 colonies, when finally adopted on March 1, 1781.

What was it good for?

The Congress of the Confederation could Declare war and peace Manage foreign affairs Manage the postal service Establish an army and navy Borrow money Determine the value of coins Issue money

What was good?

American was land rich and money poor

This helped change things….

This all sounds good….

But there is just one problem

IT DIDN’T WORK!!

Major Problems

The states were powerful, while Congress was weak

There was no chief executive (president) or national judicial system (supreme court)

More Problems…

Congress could not regulate commerce or taxes

FACT: George Washington had to go to Congress to beg for money to buy bullets, food, and clothes for soldiers.

George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and other leaders were not satisfied with the Articles of Confederation. But any changes required the approval of all 13 states.

In 1876 at Annapolis, Maryland a convention met to discuss commercial problems in the colonies but only 5 of the 13 colonies sent representatives.

Something had to be done to help our struggling nation!

Shays’ Rebellion

Jan 25, 1787MassachusettsDaniel Shays lead a

rebellionUprising again debt

collection and tax policies

Federal government could do nothing to stop it

The 13 states had to find a way to speak with one voice.

Representative from the 13 colonies meet in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the nation’s problems.