Topic: Evaluating the merits and deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation

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Topic Evaluating the merits and deficiencies of
the Articles of Confederation
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Origins of Americas First Government

• Continental Congress was originally nothing more
  than a group of ambassadors
• No real authority over the 13 colonies
• 1777 Articles of Confederation written
• Western lands problem
• 1781 ratified by 13 states

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The Central Government

• The Critical Period
• 13 states linked together to face common problems
• No executive branch
• Courts as a state prerogative
• Legislative branch dominated the law-making
  process
• Where does sovereignty lie?

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The Unicameral Legislature

• Congress
• Unicameral
• 1 state, 1 vote
• 9/13 vote to approve bills
• Unanimous vote for amendments
• Congress could not levy taxes or regulate trade
• Could only ask for troops
• Makes all foreign treaties
• State power unimpeded
• States controlled trade
• Printed (coined) money

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Territorial Ordinances

• Land Ordinance 1785
• Great lakes region lands be sold to pay war debts
• Surveying lands
• Divided into townships
• Each must have a public school
• Orderly migration to new lands
• Northwest Ordinance 1787
• Rules on how territories become states
• 60,000 ? request for statehood
• No slavery in northwest

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The Articles of Confederation
Strengths Weaknesses

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Conclusion

• Based on todays lesson, how would you rate the
  Articles of Confederation (on a scale of 1-10 10
  being the best)? Explain your reasoning in 3-4
  sentences.