Weaknesses of the
Articles of
Confederation
The Structure of the Articles of
Confederation
• A simple government
was set up by the
Articles.
• A Congress was the only
branch.
• It was unicameral (only 1
chamber or house).
• Each state had one
delegate chosen by the
state legislature.
• Every year, a presiding
officer was chosen by
Congress (a chairperson,
NOT a President)
Strengths of the Articles of
Confederation
• Build an army &
navy
• Make treaties
• Borrow money
• Settle disputes
among the states
• Provided freedom
to all states
Weaknesses of the Articles of
Confederation
• One vote each state
regardless of size
• Powerless to raise & collect
taxes
• No executive to enforce
acts of Congress
• No national court system
• 9/13 majority to pass laws
• Could not regulate foreign
trade/ interstate commerce
• Amendment with the
consent of all states
• All in all, the national
government was not given
enough power!
Reading Activity and Ticket
Out
• Read, A Need for Stronger Government,
on pages 46 and 47 in the textbook.
• Answer questions 3 and 5 on page 47, IN
COMPLETE SENTENCES.
• Turn in as a ticket out.