M2 L01_Reflection_Text

Articles of Confederation (1777)

Introduction

• Delegates of the States come together to establish a perpetual union.

• The states involved include New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Key Articles

• I. Stile of Confederacy: Named "The United States of America".

• II. State Sovereignty: Each state retains sovereignty, freedom, and independence except for those powers expressly delegated to Congress.

• III. League of Friendship: States enter a firm league of friendship for common defense and mutual welfare against any attacks.

• V. Voting: Each State has one vote in Congress regardless of size.

• X. Committee of the States: Nine states can execute powers during Congress recess, with restrictions on powers not specifically delegated.

Responsibilities and Observances

• XIII: States must abide by determinations of Congress on submitted questions.

• Articles: To be inviolably observed, amendment requires agreement in Congress and confirmation by all state legislatures.

• Ratification: Delegates ratify the Articles, committing states to uphold them. Ratification occurred on November 15, 1777.

• Effective Date: Became effective on March 1, 1781, after ratification by Maryland.

Northwest Ordinance (1787)

Article 1 - Religious Freedom

• Citizens in the territory will not be molested for religious beliefs.

Article 2 - Rights of Inhabitants

• Right to habeas corpus, trial by jury, and representation.

• Cruel or unusual punishments prohibited; rights to liberty and property protected.

• Laws should not interfere with private contracts or engagements.

Article 3 - Education and Native American Relations

• Encouragement for schools and education.

• Good faith towards Native Americans; land cannot be taken without consent.

• Laws should prevent wrongs against Native Americans and ensure peace.

Article 4 - Territory Governance

• Territory remains part of the Confederacy, subject to Articles of Confederation.

• Inhabitants share federal debts and government expenses proportional to original states.

• Legislatures cannot interfere with soil disposal by Congress, taxation rules specified.

• Navigable waters as free highways for all citizens, without tax.

Article 5 - State Formation

• Formation of 3-5 states in the territory with specified boundaries.

• States with 60,000 free inhabitants can apply for Congressional admission on equal footing with original states.

• Constitutions must be republican in nature.

Article 6 - Slavery Prohibition

• No slavery or involuntary servitude permitted, except as punishment for crimes.

• Fugitive laborers from original states may be reclaimed.