US History - Articles of Confederation

Aim: What were the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Do Now: Why was it important for the colonies to form a national government?

Articles of Confederation

Nov 15, 1777

When John Dickson and his committee wrote The Articles of Confederation in June 1776, which was later adopted by the Continental Congress on Nov. 15, 1777, this document proved to be too weak to solve a majority of the issues facing the new nation, therefore not lasting very long. For the first attempt at creating a central government there were strong points as well as many weaknesses. Such as, regardless of the population of that state it could only have one vote in Congress. This only concluded to thirteen votes out of the whole nation. However, Congress did not accomplish much because 9 out of these thirteen states needed to agree to pass laws. Also, the Congress could not collect or enact taxes. Therefore, putting these thirteen states into a massive amount of debt which couldn't be paid off. There was also no executive branch to enforce the laws of Congress or a national court system to settle legal disputes. Also there were thirteen separate states that lacked national unity. Needless to say, the first attempt of creating a central government failed. However for the past 200+ years The U.S. Constitution, the second attempt or creating a central government, is still in action and still the law of the land.

STRENGTHS:	WEAKNESSES:
1 To declare war and make peace.	1 The national government could not force the states to obey its laws.
2 To coin and borrow money	2 It did not have the power to tax
3 To detail with foreign countries and sign treaties	3 It did not have the power to enforce laws
4 To operate post offices	4 Congress lacked strong and steady leadership
	5 There was no national army or navy
	6 There was no system of national courts

Classwork & Homework

Lesson PowerPoint: Articles of Confederation

Lesson Video: Articles of Confederation & Shay's Rebellion

Lesson Activity: Create a "T-Chart" of the Strengths & Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Homework: Assignments