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Articles of Confederation
The first national government of the U.S. established at the Second Continental Congress.
Fear of Strong Government
Americans were afraid that a strong government would infringe on their rights.
Strong vs
A strong government affects everyone’s life, while a weak government does not.
Lack of Judicial System
The Articles did not establish a national court system.
Absence of Executive System
There was no executive branch to elect presidents or vice presidents.
Legislative Structure
Congress existed due to experience with assemblies and consisted of one house with one representative per state.
Law Passage Requirement
To pass a law, a 2/3 majority of votes was needed in Congress.
Limited Congressional Powers
Congress could declare war, make peace, and negotiate treaties but could not enforce treaties or collect taxes.
State Taxation
Individual states had the power to tax, while Congress could not.
Land Ordinance of 1785
An achievement where Congress mapped out new territory and began distributing land to settlers.
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Created a process for admitting new states and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.
Fugitive Slave Clause
Required that all runaway slaves be returned to their owners.
Disunited States
A negative aspect of the Articles, leading to economic recession and inflation.
Lack of National Representation
The absence of a president meant no representation for the country as a whole.
Shays’s Rebellion
A revolt led by Daniel Shays, a veteran who faced financial difficulties post-war.
Causes of Shays’s Rebellion
Shays was unpaid for his military service and faced property loss due to loans.
Government Inaction
The Articles could not respond to Shays’s Rebellion due to lack of funds and power.
Panic and Dismay
The inability of the Articles to function led to widespread fear that the country was falling apart.
Continental Convention
A gathering where Congress voted to send representatives from 12 states to revise the Articles.
Note 
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