the articles of confederation: pros &...
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The Articles of Confederation: Pros & Cons
What were the Articles of Confederation?
What were the pros and cons of this early American government?
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What were the Articles of Confederation?
• The Articles of Confederation were America’s first real national government – Signed in York, PA in 1777
• Established a “firm league of friendship” between the colonies
– Kept individual sovereignty – Came together for “mutual
welfare and protection”
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What were the benefits of the Articles?
• Benefits: – Limited Government – State Sovereignty (states
kept their power)
• The individual states were use to handling their own affairs – Under the Articles of Confederation they could keep doing that
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What are the issues with the Articles of Confederation?
In your groups, consider the posed problem and develop a response to
the prompt on your sheet.
Be prepared to share your ideas with the rest
of the class
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Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? I. Currency Issues
• The United States did not have a common currency.
• Americans carried money from the federal government, state government, and foreign nations.
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Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? II. Debt
• Congress could not tax the people and depended on money from the states.
• Therefore, the U.S. was unable to pay its debts!
Examples:
- The U.S. owed money to France, Holland, and Spain for loans made during the Revolutionary War.
- The U.S. had not paid many of their own soldiers!
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Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
III. International & Domestic Problems
• The U.S. lacked the military power to defend itself against foreign enemies.
• States acted as individual countries and seldom agreed.
Example: - Connecticut and Virginia almost went to war over land claims!
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Pennsylvania went to war with several other states including Maryland and Connecticut over land claims unresolved from before the Revolution
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Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Courts (Judicial Branch)
• The nation lacked a national court system.
Supreme Court
• Capital cases were handled by committees in Congress
• No universal interpretation of laws and punishments
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White House
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
President (Executive Branch)
• The nation did not have a President, or Chief Executive.
• Congress’ actions were un- enforceable
• State leaders did whatever was in the best interest of their states or areas, NOT THE
COUNTRY!!
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Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Congress (Legislative Branch)
• Congress was responsible to the states, not the people.
• Congress had no power to collect taxes, Regulate trade, coin money, or
• Congress had one house. (unicameral)
• Laws were difficult to pass, needing the approval of nine states.
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What events helped to show the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation?
• In 1786, farmers in Massachusetts revolted
– Angry over the taxes and foreclosures on their homes / farms
– Attacked tax collectors and local courts
• Led by Revolutionary War veteran, Daniel Shays – The revolt became known
as “Shays Rebellion”
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A stone tablet marks the spot where the last “battle” of Shays Rebellion was fought in 1787 when Massachusetts militiamen fired on Shays rebels, forcing them to flee
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How did Shays’ Rebellion force change?
• Shays’ Rebellion showed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation – Congress could not raise troops or help the farmers
• Discussions began across the country on holding a meeting to amend the Articles
– Biggest supporter = George Washington