The document outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, as well as some effects. The strengths included the ability to wage war, issue currency, sign treaties, establish post offices, and appoint ambassadors. However, it lacked an executive, army, judiciary, taxing authority, and ability to enforce laws. States were sovereign and each had one equal vote regardless of population. Amendments required approval of all 13 states. The Northwest Ordinance established rules for new states and outlawed slavery, while Shays' Rebellion illustrated the need for a stronger national government with more authority.

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Articles of
Confederation

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Strengths
 Wage war
 Issue money
 Sign treaties (make peace)
 Set up post offices
 Appoint ambassadors
 Settle conflicts between states

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Weaknesses
 NO President (Executive)
 NO Army
 NO Courts (Judicial)
 NO Taxing Power (monetary problems)
 No power to enforce laws (regulate trade)
 States were sovereign
 One vote per state regardless of
population
 9/13 states to pass a law
 13/13 states to amend (make changes)

4. ©2010, TESCC
Effects/Results/Outcomes
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
 Set up rules for statehood once 60,000 people
 Outlawed slavery in new states (Northwest territories)
 Free education in new states
 Shays’ Rebellion
 It placed national attention on weaknesses of the
government under the Articles. It showed that the
government could not keep order and that a stronger
national government was needed. It made it hard for
the Confederation to ignore the weaknesses and
called for meetings to “fix” the Articles which led to the
Constitutional Convention.