constitutional foundations - the articles of confederation

the articles of confederation

america’s first government created during the revolution

confederation

most power remains in the states

unitary gov’t

gov’t has all the power; national

confederate gov’t

all power in the states, few national powers

federal gov’t

powers are divided; national & state

one branch

congress could:

• declare war

• appoint military officials

• sign treaties

• make alliances

• appoint ambassadors

• manage relations with native Americans

all foreign affairs, no domestic laws

problems

1. no power to tax - war debts; debt to france, spain, i owe you’s (own people)

2. no power to regulate commerce - tariffs on interstate trade

3. no power to raise an army - depression & shay’s rebellion

4. bills required 9 states for approval, amendments had to be unanimous

5. no executive or courts to execute to enforce the laws