1. American History Unit 2 Lecture
5
The Articles of Confederation

2. 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.

3. 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”

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

5. Articles of Confederation
Overview:
Only branch of government is Congress –
UNICAMERAL
COULD 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.

6. 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?

7. “Western” land acquired from Britain

8. 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

9. Problems with the Articles
Weakness of National Government:
Cannot Tax
Cannot enforce laws
Cannot regulate trade
No court system
No respect abroad
Cannot pass laws (9 of 13 must agree)
Cannot change laws (13 of 13 must agree)

10. Problems with the Articles
States in Conflict:
Border disputes
Different money
Trade disputes
War debts
Questions of legal jurisdiction

11. Shay’s Rebellion Prompts Change
States are in debt from war, raising taxes
War veterans hit hard
Shay’s Rebellion in Massachusetts, demanding tax
relief, currency reform, debt forgiveness
Lasts nearly two years; government cannot stop it
(EXPOSES WEAKNESSES OF US GOVERNMENT!)
Scares many in the ruling class
Leads states to call for reform; calls for stronger
government!