The First National Government
I. The Articles of Confederation
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a. Definition: loosely tied
together 13 independent states
and gave new national Congress
authority to act
b. Required ratification (formal
approval) from all 13 states
c. Many leaders feared strong
national gov’t would threaten
power of the states, and freedom
of people.
II. Set-up of the National Government
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a. Unicameral Legislature (1 house)
b. Delegates chosen by state’s legislature
c. One vote per state
d. Majority approval needed on most decisions
e. Nine of 13 to pass major decisions
• Ex: wage war, sign a treaty
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f. Amendments required approval of all 13.
g. No executive or judicial branch
h. Congress’ powers: declare war, conduct foreign policy,
borrow money, settle state’s disputes, manage affairs with
American Indians.
III. Weaknesses of the Government
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a. No officials to carry out Congress’ laws
b. No authority to enforce Congress’ laws
c. No power to tax
d. No national currency
e. No power to regulate foreign or domestic trade
f. No national court system
g. Difficult to get amendments approved
IV. Obstacles to Unity
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Cultural differences: common language, but
beliefs and ways of life varied from state to
state.
Economic differences: could there be
favoritism for certain states?
Geographic isolation: transportation difficult
from north to south
V. A Change is Needed
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Shay’s Rebellion
Shay’s Rebellion showed
government’s inability to
maintain peace & order
Government not able to
protect and promote the
public good
Something needs to
change… but what?