Articles of Confederation

​Foundations of American Democracy

By Cyndy Harrison

This was our first constitution.

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​The Articles of Confederation

​Background

• Created during the Revolution to serve as a functioning government

• Modeled after the colonial governments

• States would retain sovereignty

• The founders were fearful of concentrated power

​Structure of Government

• Unicameral (single-house) legislative body

• Each state had one vote regardless of population size

• States would retain sovereignty

• Congress has been given sole authority to govern the country

• An executive committee oversaw the government when Congress was not in session

• Congress would establish temporary courts to hear disputes

Open Ended

What are your thoughts about the structure of the government under the Articles of Confederation? What do you find most interesting?

• Raise funds for an army or navy

• tax, impose tariffs, or collect duties

• No executive branch to enforce the laws

• regulate the value of currency

​No power to...

• Declare war and make peace

• ​Make treaties with countries

• Establish an army and navy

• Requisition and print money

• Establish weights and measures

​Could do...

Powers Granted v. Denied

Administered the seven-year war effort
Negotiated the Treaty of Paris with Britain in 1783
Established the Northwest Ordinance of 1787

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​Accomplishments

Lack of centralized military power to address Shay's Rebellion

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​Key Weakness

A Constitutional Convention was convened to address the issue of a weak central government.

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​Time to Start Again