The Articles of Confederation established the first governing framework for the United States after the American Revolution from 1781-1788. However, the Articles proved largely ineffective, as Congress had no power to tax or regulate commerce between the states. Mounting political and economic problems, such as Shays' Rebellion and the inability to pay war debts, prompted leaders to hold the Constitutional Convention to establish a stronger federal government.

1. From Revolution to Constitution
The Intermediate Years with the
Articles of Confederation

2. Articles of Confederation
American Revolution
and Declaration of
Independence
“Values”

3. Values
• Fear of Oppression: After their experience
with King George III, Americans were reluctant
to grant much economic power, or authority
of any sort, to the central government
• Saw themselves as independent republics
• In a republic the people are responsible for
the virtue of the state – social contract,
popular sovereignity

4. Articles of Confederation
American Revolution
“Values”
Articles of
Confederation

5. Articles of Confederation
• The Continental Congress adopted the Articles of
Confederation in November 1777. However,
ratification of the Articles of Confederation by all
thirteen states did not occur until March 1, 1781.
• Articles existed between 1781-1788
• The rules gave each state 1 vote through a
representative
• Big decisions required nine votes
• Changing Articles required ALL 13 votes

6. Articles of Confederation
• Congress could ask the states for men
(soldiers) and money
• Congress would settle disputes between
states
• Congress could make war and peace
• Congress would regulate Indian Affairs
• Congress would negotiate with foreign
countries

7. Articles of Confederation
• No National Executive
• No National Judiciary
• One house of Congress

8. Articles of Confederation
Values of
1776
Political Articles of Economic
Problems Confederation Problems

9. Political Problems
• 1783-1786
– Making formal peace with the Indians
– Disagreements on power of congress on western
boundaries of the states
• Shays Rebellion in 1786 stopped by state
militia
• Security against foreign powers

10. Economic Problems
• Debt
– Congress could not pay down the mounting public debt (France,
War Bonds)
– Worthless national currency. No gold or silver to issue coins
– Congress could not control inflation
• Tariff
– Federal government had little power but the states were
empowered to act independently as sovereign bodies
– Congress could not curb the flow of state-issued paper money
• Tax
– Congress had no power to tax
– Congress was helpless to tax trade

11. Articles of Confederation
Values of
1776
Political Articles of Economic
Problems Confederation Problems
Strengths Weakness
And Successes and Failures

12. Strength/Successes
• Government successfully waged a war for
independence against the British
• The Northwest Ordinance of 1787
– three stages: territories, non-voting delegates to
Congress, apply for statehood. Territories organize
their own government
– no slavery allowed but did have fugitive slave law
• Government established the Departments of
Foreign Affairs, War, Marine, and Treasury

13. Weakness/Failures
• Federal government had no means to provide for
Americans’ defense and security – no national army or navy
• Congress could not raise money to pay off debt or operate
properly
• Each state operated like a separate country with own
currency
• No true Executive or Judicial branch
• Congress was unable to regulate interstate and foreign
commerce

14. Quick Review
• What years were the Articles of Confederation
in force?
• Name one weakness of the Articles?
• Name one success of the Articles?
• What event(s) provoked the leaders to hold a
convention that rewrote the Articles?