Section 3
• To describe the structures of the
Articles of Confederation
• To explain the weaknesses of the
Articles
• To describe the steps leading up to the
Constitutional Convention

Independence Hall - Philadelphia

November 15, 1777 – Delegates approved the first attempt at a plan of government.
The A of C established a “firm league of friendship” among the states.
Ratification: formal approval came in 1781
It took all 13 states to ratify the Articles of
Confederation

Congress – Sole branch
Unicameral
Delegates chosen by States
Each State had one vote
Congress would choose a presiding officer
(chair), but NOT the president of U.S.

Powers of Congress under the Articles of Confederation
Make war and peace
Send & receive ambassadors
Make treaties
Borrow money
Set up a money system
Establish post offices
Build a Navy
Raise an Army
Fix uniform weights and measures
Settle disputes among the States

Obey the Articles of Confederation
Provide troops (men) & money as requested
Treat citizens of other states fairly & equally
Give full faith and credit
Surrender fugitives
Submit disagreements between states to
Congress

Congress had no power to tax
Each State had one vote regardless of size
Amendment process took all 13 States
No court system
No executive branch

The Critical Period, 1780’s
• 1783 – Treaty of Paris
(American victory)
• States fought amongst themselves-
Jealous & Suspicious
• States taxed each other’s goods
• States printed their own money
• Debts went unpaid

 1786 – Daniel Shays, a former American officer, led an uprising that forced a court to close in Massachusetts.
 Farmers had lost farms & possessions because they could not pay their taxes.
 They unsuccessfully attacked a federal arsenal & state forces had to move in.

A Need for a Stronger Government
Mount Vernon-
Jan. 1786
George called for a meeting between
Maryland & Virginia.
Annapolis –
Sept. 11, 1786
5 of 13 States showed up BUT called for a meeting in Philadelphia to “Revise the A of C”