2.1 The Articles of Confederation

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What was the Articles of Confederation?

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The first constitution of the United States of America.

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What was a major weakness of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

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It was weak: it was rarely able to enforce its authority because it lacked the means to enforce its laws.

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What authority did the Congress have under the Articles of Confederation?

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Conduct foreign affairs, maintain armed forces, borrow money, and issue currency.

But it lacked the ability to enforce these powers

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What was required for Congress to pass a law under the Articles?

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Nine states had to vote in favor of it.

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What were the weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

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Could not regulate trade

Lacked a chief executive to enforce laws

Could not maintain and army or navy

It was difficult to pass laws

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What were three accomplishments of the Articles of Confederation?

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1. Won independence

2. Expanded foreign trade

3. Provided for settling and governing western territories.

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What were three accomplishments of the Northwest Ordinance (1787)?

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1. Process for new states to enter the Union

2. Bill of rights for settlers

3. Stopped the spread of slavery in the territory.

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What was Shays’ Rebellion?

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An armed uprising led by Daniel Shays to protest farmers' land being seized (for not paying taxes).

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What was the impact of Shays’ Rebellion?

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It proved that the Articles of Confederation were too weak and led to the decision to create a new constitution.