Articles of Confederation Notes

• What was the problem facing American following their victory against the British?

  They didn't have a government
• What kind of government did the Founding Fathers want to avoid?

  A tyrannical and controlling kind (Britain's government)
• What was their solution called?

  The Articles of Confederation
• What was each colony now considered?

  Known as states
• What was each state more like?

  Functioned as an independent country
• Why was this agreeable to most Americans?

  They didn't want to be controlled
• How was each state government different from Congress?


  State government was more powerful than federal
• What are some powers each state had?

  • Deal with their own foreign affairs
  • Print own money
  • Raise own taxes
• What type of Congress is still used? What does this mean?

  A delegation government--each state sends representatives
• What is the main role of Congress?


  To plan and direct events in which all states work together (in regards of war)
• How is the power of Congress limited?

  • Only legislative branch
  • Weak
  • No leader (no executive branch)
  • 1 state = 1 vote
• What two branches of government were not created under the Articles?

  Executive and Judiciary
• Why did the drafters of the Articles want such a weak central government?

  So it wouldn't be like Britain's
• Why did they oppose an executive branch?

  They felt it equated a king/monarchy
• There were three major problems with the Articles. What were they and why were they a problem?

  1. Congress could not tax the colonies
  2. Trade was worked out between states (or disputes)
  3. Only one vote per state
• Why did land issues arise among the states? What did the states want with the land?

  Colonies won old Britain's land, and states began to claim the land
• What solution was reached by the states to settle land issues?

  Made new states in the new land
• How would new states be different from original states?

  They wouldn't be different; they all have the same rights
• For what two reasons did some Americans want to change the Articles?

  Not enough educated citizens; not experienced
• Where and when do the representatives agree to meet to discuss changes?

  Annapolis, Maryland
• How many states and representatives show for the meeting?

  5 out of 13 (12 people total)
• Why could nothing be done at this meeting?

  Not enough people / states agreed
• What is the only agreement that is made at this meeting?

  Another meeting a year later in Philadelphia
• Why did (Daniel) Shay's Rebellion occur?

  High taxes
• Why could the federal government do nothing about Shay's Rebellion?

  They worried their citizens would also rebel
• What did this event convince the other states of?

  To attend the next Congress meeting