The Constitution: A More Perfect Union

A More Perfect Union

An overview of the Articles of Confederation and its challenges in maintaining a strong and unified government.

The Articles of Confederation Vocabulary

• Established a weak central government

• Bicameral - having two separate lawmaking chambers

• Republic - a government in which citizens rule through elected representatives

• Abandon - to give up

• Ordinance - law

• Clause - a special condition in a formal document

• Depreciate - to fall in value

Articles of Confederation

Bicameral Republic was the type of government established under The Articles of Confederation. It consisted of a two-house legislature where each state had equal representation. However, this government had limited power and was eventually replaced by the Constitution.

Multiple Choice

What type of government was established under The Articles of Confederation?

• Monarchy

• Bicameral Republic

• Dictatorship

• Anarchy

The Articles of Confederation

• Sovereignty, Independence, and Freedom: Congress obtained sovereignty, independence, and freedom.

• Congressional Powers: Congress could conduct foreign affairs, maintain armed forces, borrow money, and issue currency.

• Limitations: Congress lacked power to regulate trade, force citizens to join the army, or impose taxes.

• State Contributions: Congress had to ask states for money or troops, which were not mandatory.

• No Chief Executive: The new central government lacked a chief executive.

• Approval and Voting: All states had to approve the Articles and any amendments, and laws required at least nine states' votes.

Multiple Choice

What was one of the limitations of Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

• Regulating trade

• Forcing citizens to join the army

• Imposing taxes

• Appointing a chief executive

Limitation of Congress

Trivia: Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress lacked the power to regulate trade. This led to economic chaos and disputes between states. It was one of the major reasons for the creation of a stronger central government under the Constitution.

The Northwest Territory

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 created the Northwest Territory, which encompassed the present-day states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota. It established a system for admitting new states, protected civil liberties, and prohibited slavery in the territory. This landmark legislation laid the foundation for westward expansion and the growth of the United States.

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation established a fragile union with townships divided into sections of 640 acres. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 created the Northwest Territory, divided into smaller territories. When a territory reached 60,000 residents, they could seek statehood with the same standing as the original 13 states. The Land Act of 1800 created the Indiana Territory.

Multiple Choice

What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 create?

• The Indiana Territory

• The original 13 states

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Northwest Territory

Problems Home and Abroad

• Depreciation of Money: The value of money decreased during the American Revolution, leaving Congress in debt.

• Congressional Debt: Congress lacked the power to tax and couldn't pay its debts.

• British and Spanish Obstacles: The British restricted American access to markets, while Spain closed the lower Mississippi River to American shipping.

Obstacles Faced by Congress

Trivia: British and Spanish obstacles were among the challenges faced by Congress in paying its debts. These obstacles included trade restrictions, blockades, and diplomatic tensions. Congress had to navigate these obstacles to secure financial stability and repay its debts.

Multiple Select

What were some of the obstacles faced by Congress in paying its debts?

• Land Purchase in the Northwest Territory

• Depreciation of Money

• Congressional Debt

• British and Spanish Obstacles