Articles of Confederation - 6/15/25

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. government system; created a weak national government during the Revolutionary War

Years in Use

Existed from 1781 to 1789

Who Made It

Made by the Continental Congress during the war

Why It Was Made

To unite the colonies without giving too much power to a central government

Power to States

States had most of the power and handled their own problems

State Money

System allowed each state to have its own money

Unity Issues

States were not strongly united under the Articles

Congress Powers

Could borrow money and manage foreign affairs

Congress Limits

Could not regulate trade, draft soldiers, or collect taxes

Problem Noticed

The Founding Fathers saw it wasn’t working and needed a new plan