u.s. government -- chapter 2, section 3 "the critical period"
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The Critical PeriodU.S. Government Chapter 2 – Section 3
Political Dictionary
Articles of Confederation
Ratification
Presiding Officer
Objectives/Standards
Section Objectives: Describe the structure of government set up
under the Articles of Confederation (AoC) Explain why the weaknesses of the Articles led
to the Critical Period for the government in the 1780’s
Describe how a growing need for a stronger national government let to plans for a Constitutional Convention.
4.3 Understand the basic features of major forms of government in the world.
The Articles of ConfederationNational Archives Washington D.C.
The Articles of Confederation
First attempt to create a lasting govt. for the new nation. Approved on Nov. 15, 1777
Articles of Confederation established a “firm league of friendship” among the states. Each state kept its sovereignty, freedom,
and independence.
The Articles of Confederation
Under to AoC, states would come together for common defense.
The Articles did not go into immediate effect. Ratification was needed first. (formal
approval) 11 states agreed during the first year
Governmental Structure
Congress was the sole body. Unicameral
Each state had one vote in Congress regardless of its population or size
Congress was made up of delegates from each state.
Governmental Structure
Each year Congress would choose one of its members as its president. Presiding officer (chair).
The AoC did not establish an executive or judicial branch All functions were handled by the
Congress in committees
Powers of Congress
Make war and peace Send and receive ambassadors Make treaties Borrow money Set up a money system Est. post offices Build a navy
State Obligations
By agreeing to the AoC, states agreed to: Obey the AoC Provide funds and troops requested by
Congress Treat other states’ citizens fairly Give full faith (agree to) and credit to the
public acts, records, and court rulings from other states.
Surrender frugitives Submit disputes to Congress for settlement Allow open travel among states
Weaknesses
At first glance, the powers of Congress seem to be considerable Several important factors were missing
though.
The weaknesses of the Articles proved them to be inadequate and overall ineffective
Weaknesses
Congress did not have the power to tax They could only borrow by asking states for funds.
Congress did not have the power to regulate trade among states.
Lacked the power to force states to obey the AoC Congress only had power when 9 of 13 agreed.
Articles could only be changed with the consent of all 13 states. This was impossible and not one amendment was ever
added to the articles.
The Critical Period
Revolutionary War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1781. Weaknesses of the AoC soon surfaced
States grew jealous and suspicious of each other.
Several made agreements with foreign gov’ts without approval of Congress
States taxed one another’s goods. Printed their own money. Raised their own military Debts went unpaid. Violence broke out.
The Critical Period
Shay’s Rebellion- rebellion led by Daniel Shays that lead several state judges to close their courts.
The following year Shays let an unsuccessful attack on a federal arsenal.
Result: Mass. Legislature passed laws to ease burdens of debtors.
Question 1
George Washington was referring to foreign affairs when he complained, “We are one nation today, thirteen tomorrow. Who will treat with us on such terms?”
What did Washington fear would happen?
Do you agree with his point of view? Why or why not?
Need for Stronger Government
In 1785 Maryland and Virginia agreed to a conference on their trade problems. Held at Mount Vernon (Washington’s
home) This proved to be a successful conference
After this meeting it was decided to hold another conference with all states attending. That meeting would be the Annapolis
meeting.
Mount VernonHome of George WashingtonFairfax Co., VA
Mount Vernon
Need for Stronger Government
Annapolis meeting held in 1786 Turnout was not good Only 5 states showed up
Still hopeful, they called for another meeting to be held in Philadelphia in 1787
That meeting became the Philadelphia Convention a.k.a. The Constitutional Convention
Question 2
What weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation made a lasting government impossible? Name at least three.
Question 3
Under the Articles of Confederation, was congress bicameral of unicameral?
Question 4
Established a “firm league of friendship” among the states.
A. Declaration of Independence B. Articles of Confederation C. Preamble
Question 5
A formal approval is called _____________.
A. Ratification B. Preside C. Agreement
Question 6
Which of the following is NOT a power of Congress under the Articles of Confederation?
A. Make treaties B. Borrow money C. Tax
Question 7
There were 2 amendments added to the Articles:
A. True B. False
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