Drill

Now that the colonies are free from Britain, What are some things they

need to do?

Objective

Students will be able examine the events that led to Shays’ Rebellion in order to evaluate how it exposed the

weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation to assess what needs to be done to improve the American government.

The New Government Of The United States of

America

The Articles of Confederation

 In 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from England. Thirteen fiercely independent states banded together to become a new country. However, there were many issues to resolve in order to form a strong country.  

Each state had its own form of self-government. They made their own laws, coined their own money, and were concerned about their individual interests. The oppression from England united the states with a common purpose - freedom.

However, they were fearful of creating a government that would return them to the same tyranny they had endured from England.

 The first government in the United States was formed under The Articles of Confederation. In

1777, the states sent delegates to a convention to put together a plan for a unified

country.

Together, they wrote a document that would establish a central government with a legislative congress to make laws.  

For four years, the states debated these articles. Finally, in 1781, they were approved by all thirteen states. The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government.

It failed to give the new government the power to collect taxes, establish a military, form courts, or make the states obey the laws made in the legislative congress.

The results were disastrous. The economy became chaotic. States began to fight over boundaries and levy taxes on each other. The new, weak government proved ineffective in uniting the states.

     As the United States expanded and grew, trade between the states became more and more difficult. Farmers and business owners wanted to be paid in their state's currency.

Without a central currency, gold and silver became the only acceptable means of payment.

In 1786, farmers in Massachusetts were unable to use the money they

earned while fighting in the American Revolution to pay their debts or taxes.

A man named Daniel Shays led a rebellion against the government of Massachusetts. When Massachusetts turned to the central government for help, none came. The federal government was powerless to help.

This event, called The Shays' Rebellion, brought to light the need for a strong central government. Congress

invited the states to send delegates to a meeting in May of 1787. Changes were needed in the Articles of

Confederation.

Exit Ticket

Based on what you have learned, assess what key elements need to be included in the

new government? Post your answer to the wiki site.