The document discusses the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States adopted in 1781. It established a weak central government that gave most power to the states. The Articles helped the 13 states cooperate during the Revolutionary War but were not intended to impose national laws on independent states. Key accomplishments under the Articles included securing alliances, establishing territories, and passing the Northwest Ordinance to govern the territories. However, the Articles also had problems like limited power to pass or enforce laws. Dissatisfaction with the Articles later led Americans to call for changes to the government structure.

1. Creation of a New Government The Articles of Confederation

2. Why would the Framers decide to structure our new government with a weak central government?

3. The 2 nd Continental Congress declared US independence in 1776

4. 13 Independent States were writing their own Constitutions with legislatures, governors, and independent court systems.

5. In 1777 The Continental Congress drafted a national constitution without a court system or an executive branch… The Articles of Confederation

7. Article by Article # I – XIII … it would provide a weak central government… loose union of states… alliance of states… league of states… CONFEDERATION Article 2 . Each State retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction and right …

8. Preamble Article I - Style Article II - States Rights Article III - Mutual defense Article IV - Laws of other states to be abided; extradition Article V - The Legislature Article VI - Rights denied the States Article VII - Appointment of military officers Article VIII - United States to pay for defense; taxes Article IX - Rights granted the Federal Government Article X - Committee of States Article XI - Canada may join the United States Article XII - Assumption of debt Article XIII - Articles are Supreme Law, amendment

10. The Articles of Confederation could help the 13 States cooperate to win Independence… but were not intended to impose national laws upon independent states

11. This was a “revolutionary” document which reflected a distrust for strong central government… independence of states and citizens would best be served by less government… …more liberty!

12. In 1781 The Articles of Confederation were finally ratified by the 13 United States of America.

14. Historians assert that the USA needed the alliance with France ( the French Navy and Army ) to achieve the victory at Yorktown in 1781.

15. The 1783 Treaty of Paris gave the fledgling USA immense territorial possessions

16. The 13 states had competing territorial claims to these lands in the west… … a national solution was needed

17. The new territories would be carved into new states = to the original 13 …they would have their own constitutions …they could make their own laws

18. These new states would provide order and security for Americans to prosper in these new frontier lands… … north of the Ohio River there would be no slavery in the territories and new states

19. Each territory and new state would provide for towns, school districts, road construction, and militias for their defense.

20. The 1780’s were critical years in the early history of the USA

21. A new NATION was established on the principles of liberty

22. The 13 United States had established a framework for orderly growth and expansion… a REPUBLIC without a monarch

23. Components of the Articles of Confederation Problems of the AOC: 1. Limited Powers to Pass Laws 2. Limited Power to Tax 3. Limited Power to Regulate Trade Laws-Amendments- 4. No national judicial branch/No Executive Branch Success of AOC: 1. Northwest Ordinance-

24. Dissatisfaction with the AOC Shays’ Rebellion- Farmers’ rebellion in Massachusetts to protest state economic policies Result: Americans called for change

25. State Governments Federal Government Who has the power? Power Shared