The Articles of Confederation: America's First Government

The Articles of
Confederation:
America's First
Government

I can analyze the strengths and weaknesses

of the Articles of Confederation.

I can explain how the weaknesses in the

Articles of Confederation led to the writing

of the Constitution

Introduction

Established in 1781 as America's first national

government

1.

Created a loose confederation of sovereign states

2.

Designed to limit central authority after breaking

from British rule

3.

Multiple Choice

What was the main purpose of creating the Articles of Confederation?

• To promote international trade agreements.
• To create a unified national government for the states.
• To establish a monarchy in the states.
• To create a stronger state government system.

Key
Weaknesses
of the
Articles

No power to levy taxes

1.

Unable to regulate interstate or foreign trade

2.

Lacked authority to enforce laws

3.

Required unanimous consent to amend

4.

No executive or judicial
branches

5.

Multiple Choice

Why was the inability to levy taxes a significant problem for the central government?

• It simplified the process of governance.
• It allowed the government to focus on foreign relations.
• It increased the power of individual states.
• It prevented the government from generating revenue to function effectively.

Shays'
Rebellion:
A Turning
Point

Occurred in 1786-1787 in

Massachusetts

Led by Daniel Shays, a former

Revolutionary War soldier

Farmers protested against high

taxes and farm foreclosures

Highlighted the weakness of the
central government to respond

Multiple Choice

How did Shays' Rebellion demonstrate the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• Shays' Rebellion showed that the Articles of Confederation could not effectively manage national crises or enforce laws.
• Shays' Rebellion was a successful uprising that led to new laws being enacted.
• Shays' Rebellion had no impact on the governance of the states.
• Shays' Rebellion proved the Articles of Confederation were too strong.

The Constitutional

Convention

Goal: to revise the Articles of

Confederation

Resulted in drafting an entirely

new Constitution

Created a stronger federal

government with three branches

Multiple Choice

What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

• To establish a monarchy in the United States.
• To draft a new constitution for individual states only.
• To address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger federal government.
• To create a bill of rights for citizens.