The Articles of Confederation established the first U.S. constitution after the American Revolution and created a loose association of independent and sovereign states. The Confederation Congress was the central national government but had limited powers, being able only to request actions from the states. Problems arose under the Articles due to the weak federal government's inability to effectively deal with foreign relations issues or domestic unrest like Shays' Rebellion, demonstrating the need for a stronger national constitution.

1. ARTICLES OF
CONFEDERATION

2. Articles of Confederation
• First U.S. Constitution. Ratified
(approved) during American
Revolution.
• A loose association of states.

3. Confederation Congress
• Would be the central National
government.
• It was a law making body where each
state had 1 vote.
• Decisions required 9 of the 13 states to
vote yes.

4. Powers of the Confederation
Congress
• Because of the experiences with the
British government, the new government
was formed with limited powers.

5. Powers of the Confederation
Congress
• Make treaties with
other countries and
Indians.
• Could ask (not
require) states for
money.
• Make (print)
money.
Treaty of Paris

6. Powers of the Confederation
Congress
• Could settle
disputes between
states.
• Could ask for (not
require) soldiers
from the states.

7. Powers Denied To The
Government
• No executive
branch.
• No court system.

8. Powers Denied Congress
• Could not prevent
states from issuing
its own money.
• Could not raise
taxes

9. Northwest Ordinance of 1787
• Created an orderly system to admit
new states.
• Created the Northwest Territory.

10. Problems Under The Articles of
Confederation
Foreign Relations-
• France: Wanted loans repaid.
• Britain: Closed ports to U.S. ships.
• Spain: Closed the lower Mississippi
River to U.S. Shipping.

11. Problems Under The Articles of
Confederation
Economic Unrest-
• Shay’s Rebellion: Protest by farmers
over losing property because they got
no help from the government.
• Congress had no way of dealing with
this.
• Showed the Articles were not working
and that a stronger government was
needed.

12. Convention of 1787
• In 1787, Congress called for a
convention to revise (update) the
Articles of Confederation.
• Once the convention started, the
Articles of Confederation were thrown
out and an new constitution was
written.