The New Government of the United States of America

Articles of Confederation

• Drafted by John Dickinson

• Americans feared a strong government

• It took four years for the US to ratify the Articles.

• Lasted only 8 years

Power of the Articles

• Congress had few powers, states held more power.

Articles vs. States

ArmyDeclare

WarMake

TreatiesManageIndians

Make Money

Tax Trade

Articles yes

States

Northwest Ordinance of 1785

• Drafted by Thomas Jefferson

• Provided for selling and surveying of Northwest Territory

Land sold in section 15 supported public schools.15

16

TownshipSection

Northwest Territory of 1787

• 5,000 voters = election of own legislature

• 60,000 voters = apply for statehood

• 5 states came out of the Northwest Territory

• Slavery was banned in the territory

Jefferson’s other state suggestions

• Michigania

• Cherronesus

• Metropotania

• Assenisipia

• Sylvania

• Illinoia

• Pilypotania

• Pelisipia

Weaknesses of the Confederation

1. Lack of power to enforce the laws that it made

2. Couldn’t levy taxes

3. Didn’t have sole power to coin money

Shay’s Rebellion

• Farmers in Massachusetts were losing their lands due to the heavy taxes by Massachusetts and the worthless money

• Daniel Shay led one mob of farmers to the federal arsenal

• Were dispersed by the Massachusetts militia

• This showed the weakness of the Articles!

• Come and listen to a story ‘bout a man named Shays

• Poor ol’farmer whose debts weren’t gettin’ paid

• So one day he rallied up his friends

• And that my dear is where it all begins

• Well, Shays and his friends they stole a lot of guns

• They closed down the bank

• They shouted “Re-bell-yun”

• The wise men knew this Shay wasn’t a fool, they knew to others he’d seem really cool

• (smart that is, John Locke, don’t ya’ see)

• Well the next thing you know the rich folks got all scared

• Madison said “Let’s get out of here!”

• He said “Philadelphia is the place we oughtabe”

• So they saddled up the horse and they rode off to Philly

• (PA that is, making rules, changing laws)

• And that my friends was really just the start

• Those 55 men were really very smart

• They made a constitution for you and me

• And it has lasted for two-20 (years that is)

Philadelphia Convention

• Meeting of the states to revise the Articles of Confederation

• 12 states were represented. Rhode Island didn’t come.

• George Washington was elected convention chairman

Notable men at the convention:

George Washington

James Madison

Benjamin Franklin

James Wilson

Gouverneur Morris

Alexander Hamilton