American History Unit 2 Lecture 5

The Articles of Confederation

State Governments

• During the Revolution and following independence, states write their own constitutions

• Weak executive, separation of power, idea of republicanism are common traits

REPUBLIC – A state where power is held by the citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives that they select.

State Governments

• Guaranteed Certain Rights:– Freedom of Religion– Press– Speech– Equality and voting rights (for some people)

13 states that function independently – loosely held together as a nation by “ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION”

Articles of Confederation

Articles of Confederation – agreement that serves as the basis of America’s first government. Ratified in 1781.

Articles of Confederation

Overview:Only branch of government is Congress –

UNICAMERALCOULD declare war, sign treaties, borrow money,

coin money, establish a postal service, enter treaties with Native Americans.

Each state had 1 vote in Congress, regardless of population.

Western Lands

United States had gained territory during the Revolutionary War? -States ceded land claims to Federal Gov’t-Question is, how is land to be settled, divided, etc?

“Western” land acquired from Britain

Western Lands

• Land Ordinance of 1785 – Establishes plan to survey and divide the land

• Northwest Ordinance of 1787 – Establishes rules for establishing territories and creating states. Bans slavery in the Northwest Territory.

• NW Ordinance – Considered the only real success of the Articles

Problems with the Articles

Weakness of National Government:Cannot TaxCannot enforce lawsCannot regulate tradeNo court systemNo respect abroadCannot pass laws (9 of 13 must agree)Cannot change laws (13 of 13 must agree)

Problems with the Articles

States in Conflict:Border disputesDifferent moneyTrade disputesWar debtsQuestions of legal jurisdiction

Shay’s Rebellion Prompts Change

States are in debt from war, raising taxesWar veterans hit hardShay’s Rebellion in Massachusetts, demanding tax

relief, currency reform, debt forgivenessLasts nearly two years; government cannot stop it

(EXPOSES WEAKNESSES OF US GOVERNMENT!)Scares many in the ruling classLeads states to call for reform; calls for stronger

government!