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