Articles of
Confederation
Why did the Articles of
Confederation fail?
What does the term “Founders” mean?
• A “Founder” is a
political leader of the
13 original colonies.
They were the key
figures in the
establishment of the
U.S.
• Who were they?
• John Adams
• Thomas Jefferson
• George Washington
• Benjamin Franklin
• James Madison… And
More!
What was the Articles of
Confederation?
• First constitution of the U.S.
• Adopted at the Second Continental Congress in Nov.
1777
• Became official in 1781
• Served as the nation’s constitution until 1789, when the
U.S. Constitution replaced it.
Describe the characteristics of each newly
formed state:
• Each was like a separate nation – to the people, their
state was their country.
• Each state had its own constitution and government.
• Georgia’s first state constitution was created in 1777.
What was the purpose of the Articles?
• To unify the 13 new states (states not colonies)
• To create our first written plan for a national government.
Problems the Founders faced
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
They feared a strong national government (they didn’t
want another king)
Some states feared other states would have more
power in a national government and this may lead to
unfair representation.
Delicate alliance between all the States
Different outlooks on the new government
North v. South
Let’s See How They Did!
•Time for you to read the Articles of
Confederation in groups!
•If you have any questions over it ask
that Mr. Hack dude!
•Complete the guided questions and
the reflection questions number 1 & 4
What branch was created under the
Articles of Confederation?
• Legislative (Congress) – this is the law-making branch of
government
What branches of government were
missing?
• No executive branch (what? - that means no president)
• No judicial branch
Which level of government had the most
power?
• The States
• Why?
• Why would this be an issue?
How was Congress limited in their powers?
• Every action taken by Congress had to have the states’
approval and cooperation.
• Why would this be an issue?
Powers Granted To the National
Government
• Declare war and make peace
• Maintain an army and navy
• Make treaties with other countries
• Borrow money
• Establish a postal service
Positives/Achievements
• Waged war for independence against Great
Britain
• Each state would recognize the laws of other
states, for example, a marriage in one state
would be legal in all other states
• Could negotiate peace treaty – Treaty of Paris
ended the American Revolution
• Passed the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. It
allowed people in the n.w. lands to organize their
own governments and then asked to be
admitted as new states.
Problems
• Congress did not have the power to TAX. (no money or
the power to raise money
• No ONE person in charge – no president (remember
there was not an executive branch.
• No national army, no strong national currency, or court
system.
• Could not regulate trade between states, or between
states and foreign countries.
• The Three Ts
• Trade
• Taxes
• Troops
WHY?
Exit Ticket
What Would You Do?
1. Has your opinion of the articles
changed at all, and what new
information did you learn?
2. How Would you fix these problems
while also keeping in mind the
positives/accomplishments