The document discusses the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States from 1781-1789. It established a confederation system with a weak central government that had few powers, leaving most authority to the individual states. The Founding Fathers initially chose this structure because they feared a strong central government could become tyrannical, and wanted to preserve states' rights and individual liberties. However, the Articles proved ineffective, lacking powers like taxation and the ability to regulate commerce between states.

1. The Articles of Confederation
America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789
The first system of government
designed by the Founding Fathers was
a Confederation. Under a Confederate
system, the National or Central
Government is given only a few powers,
while most of the power is reserved for
the States.
Why did the Founding Fathers
Choose a Confederation plan of
government?

2. The Articles of Confederation
America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789
The Articles had 2 major
achievements:
1)Bringing the Revolutionary War
to a successful conclusion
2) Provided a the first government
for a new country

3. Break it Down
• Articles of Confederation
Articles = sections of a written document, rules written
down

4. Break it Down
• Articles of Confederation
• Confederation …. Let’s take a closer look!

5. Federalism
• Central
• national

6. So why did they choose a
confederation plan?

7. Experiences
• Hated the KING
• Taxation w/o
representation
• Abuse of personal rights
• Strong central or “Federal
Government

8. Soooo……
• Why did they set up a confederation???

9. Articles of Confederation
1781-1787
PURPOSE
•To create our first government
•Form a permanent union of the 13
states.
•Recognition by European nations.

10. The Articles of Confederation
Congress was given
the power to:
America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789
Declare War &
Establish an
Army/Navy
No Power to
Draft Soldiers

11. The Articles of Confederation
Congress was given
the power to:
America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789
Make Peace &
Sign Treaties
No Power to
Enforce Treaties

12. The Articles of Confederation
Congress was given
the power to:
America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789
Borrow Money No Power to
Collect Taxes
from the States

13. The Articles of Confederation
Congress was given
the power to:
America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789
Organize a
Post Office

14. The Articles of Confederation
Congress was given
the power to:
America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789
No Chief Executive
No national court system
No Power to Regulate
Interstate Commerce
No National Currency
Difficult to Pass laws
(2/3 vote)

15. The Articles of Confederation
Congress was given
the power to:
America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789
Difficult to
Amend
(unanimous vote
needed to change the
articles)

16. Conclusion
They feared that a strong central
government would create tyranny,
and stamp out the peoples natural
God given rights.
Why did the Founding Fathers
Choose a Confederation plan
of government?

17. Conclusion
Why Did the Founding Fathers
believe the Articles needed to be
replaced by the US Constitution?
The nation needed to function as
ONE united country & not 13
small unorganized nations.
Shay’s rebellion proved the need
to strengthen the government.