Articles of Confederation

Creating the Constitution

The Beginning of Government

  • Introduction to the initial creation of the Constitution.

  • Acknowledges the Social Studies School Service as a resource.

The Articles of Confederation

Background

  • During the Revolutionary War, the new United States needed operable governance.

  • The Articles were modeled on colonial governments.

  • States were to retain their sovereignty.

  • Founders were wary of concentrated power due to past experiences with the British government.

A Limited Government

Characteristics of Government

  • The Articles established a "firm league of friendship" between the states.

  • Bills required nine out of thirteen votes to pass.

  • Any amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all states.

Structure of Government

Legislative Body

  • The government had a unicameral legislative body (single house).

  • Each state had one vote, irrespective of its population size.

  • Congress was given the sole authority to govern the nation.

  • An executive committee was in place to oversee government functions when Congress wasn’t in session.

  • Temporary courts were created by Congress to resolve disputes between states.

Powers Granted to Government under the Articles of Confederation

  • Authority to declare war and make peace.

  • Power to negotiate treaties with foreign governments.

  • Ability to establish an army and navy.

  • Appointment of high-ranking military officials.

  • Requisition, print, and borrow money.

  • Establishing weights and measures for commerce.

  • Hearing disputes among states related to trade or boundaries.

Powers Denied to Government

  • No authority to raise funds for a military.

  • Prohibition against taxing, imposing tariffs, or collecting duties.

  • Absence of an executive branch to enforce laws.

  • No control over inter-state trade.

  • Lack of authority to compel states to meet their obligations.

  • No power to regulate currency values.

Accomplishments of the Articles of Confederation

  • Successfully managed the United States' effort during the seven-year war.

  • Negotiated the Treaty of Paris with Britain in 1783.

  • Established the Northwest Ordinance in 1787 which organized land settlements in the Northwest Territory.

Problems Facing the New Nation

Key Challenges

  • Issues included trade relations with foreign nations, financial stability for the nation, and managing foreign relationships.

  • Problems with interstate relations were also prevalent.

Problems Facing the New Nation: You Decide

  • Interactive consideration of issues such as trade, financing, foreign relations, and interstate relations.

Problems with Trade

Trade Relations with Great Britain

  • The United States lost its status as a favorable trading partner with Great Britain.

  • U.S. exports were mandated to be shipped on British vessels.

  • Many American goods were barred from British ports.

  • Britain flooded the U.S. market with inexpensive goods.

Potential Remedy

  • A proposed solution involved establishing a tariff on British goods.

  • Highlighting weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation that hindered implementing such a solution.