Articles of Confederation (1777)

accomplishments of the govt. under the AoC

1. negotiated a peace treaty with Great Britain (The Treaty of Paris)

2. two land ordinances (Land of ordinance of 1785, northwest ordinance of 1787)

shays’ rebellion (1786-1787)

main catalyst for holding constitutional convention

revealed the weaknesses of the articles

annapolis convention

meeting called to discuss commerce but turned to Ham. and Mad. saying “we need a stronger national govt.”

Ham. persuaded other delegates into having another meeting — a convention in philly in 1787 to revise articles

why is it a prob: congress did not have the powers to levy or collect taxes — it could raise money only by borrowing it or asking the states for money

if the govt. can’t collect taxes, it can’t do anything else

why is it a prob: congress did not have the power to regulate trade

other countries were hesitant to participate in trade because they know of the money disputes

why is it a prob: congress could not force anyone to obey the laws if it was passed

country would be out of hand if one one was following any laws

why is it a prob: in order to pass a law, 9 out of 13 states had to prove it. each state had a single vote regardless of their size/popul.

really difficulty threshhold to reach, making it hard to get stuff done

why is it a prob: amending (changing) the articles required the consent of all the states. this proved to be impossible to achieve

just about impossible to have anything get approved

why is it a prob: the central govt. did not have a national court system

no unity in policy making and no coordinating of the different parts of the govt.

why is it a prob: the central government did not have an executive branch

no national court system to intervene and mediate disputes