Articles of Confederation

1
Articles of Confederation

• 1781-1789

2
Structure

• United States began as a confederation
• A Firm League of Friendship with a weak
  national government
• Each state retained its sovereignty, freedom and
  independence.
• Unicameral Congress
• One vote per state
• No judiciary, No executive
• States handled these functions

3
Powers of Congress

• War and peace
• Ambassadors
• Treaties
• Borrow money
• Settle disputes between the states

4
State obligations

• Obey Congress
• Provide and troops
• Full faith and credit
• Fair treatment of citizens
• Privileges and immunities
• Allow open trade and travel
• Submit disputes to Congress

5
Challenges for the Government

• Debt from the Revolution
• Westward Expansion
• Alliances
• British presence in North America and Spanish in
  present day CA and FL

6
Weaknesses?

• The writers of the Articles of Confederation were
  reluctant to give new government powers they had
  just denied to Parliament.
• No power to tax no revenue (had to ASK states)
• No power to regulate or promote interstate
  commerce
• Lacked both executive and judicial authority
• 9/13 to exercise power
• 13/13 to amend the Articles
• State size not reflected in Congressional vote

7
Strengths

• Peace Treaty with G. Britain
• Land and recognition
• Cabinet precedent
• Foreign affairs, war and treasury
• Northwest Ordinance
• Fair development of lands west of Appalachians
  and new states
• Support for public education