AMSCO 3.7 — State Governments and the Articles of Confederation

What did the colonies become once they declared independence?

Thirteen separate states, each with its own constitution.

What was the first priority of the newly independent states?

Writing constitutions to define government powers and protect rights.

What ideal did all state constitutions share?

A commitment to republicanism—government based on elected representatives.

What did all state constitutions include?

A bill of rights protecting freedoms such as jury trial and freedom of religion.

Why did states intentionally weaken the executive branch?

They feared concentrated power after experience with British monarchy.

What did most state constitutions give the most power to?

The legislative branch.

What voting restriction remained in most states?

Property ownership or wealth requirements.

What group gained greater political voice in some states?

Small farmers and artisans.

What was the nation’s first central government called?

The Articles of Confederation.

Who wrote the first draft of the Articles?

John Dickinson.

Why did states hesitate to approve Dickinson’s plan?

It gave too much power to a central government.

When were the Articles finally ratified?

1781

What kind of government did the Articles create?

A weak central government with a single legislative body.

How many votes did each state have in Congress?

One.

How many votes were required to pass important laws?

Nine out of thirteen.

How many votes were required to amend the Articles?

All thirteen.

Did the Articles include a president or executive?

No.

Did the Articles include a national court system?

No.

What powers did Congress have under the Articles?

Wage war, make treaties, send diplomats, borrow money.

What powers did Congress NOT have?

Power to tax or regulate interstate or foreign commerce.

What issue slowed ratification of the Articles?

Disputes over western land claims.

What did the states with western claims have to do?

Cede their lands to the central government.

What land policy was passed in 1785?

The Land Ordinance of 1785.

What did the Land Ordinance of 1785 establish?

A system for surveying and selling western lands in townships.

What was designated in each township for public education?

One section of land.

What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 create?

Rules for creating new states in the Northwest Territory.

How many people were needed for a territory to apply for statehood?

60,000.

What did the Northwest Ordinance forbid?

Slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Why was banning slavery significant?

It established the first national limit on slavery.

What financial problem did the Articles face?

Huge war debts and worthless continental currency.

Why couldn’t the Articles fix financial problems?

Congress couldn’t tax and depended on voluntary state donations.

What foreign problem did the Articles face?

Britain and Spain took advantage of U.S. weakness and ignored treaty obligations.

Why couldn’t the U.S. force foreign powers out of western lands?

It lacked a strong army and executive authority.

What domestic problem showed the Articles’ weakness?

Shays’ Rebellion.

What caused Shays’ Rebellion?

High state taxes, debt, and foreclosures on farms in Massachusetts.

Who led Shays’ Rebellion?

Daniel Shays, a former Revolutionary War captain.

What did the rebels attempt to do?

Stop the courts from collecting debts and seizing property.

How was the rebellion stopped?

The Massachusetts militia dispersed Shays’ followers.

What did Shays’ Rebellion demonstrate?

The national government was too weak to maintain order or respond to crises.

What conclusion did many leaders reach after the rebellion?

The Articles of Confederation needed major revision.