Articles of Confederation Facts

What were the strengths of the A. of C.?

Ask states for money to run the central government Declare war, make peace, raise an army and navy Foreign relations Arrange for mail service Manage Indian affairs Borrow money to pay expenses

How many colonies sent delegates?

12 Colonies

What were the representation and voting numbers per state?

Congress could send any number of representatives per state, but each state had only one vote. This was an issue because the number of votes needed to pass a law was 9.

What were the weaknesses of the A. of C.?

Had to ask the states for money No control over trade between states No power to settle disputes between states No power to coin ALL money and to regulate its value

Constitutional Convention

Original Purpose — to amend the Articles of Confederation Met in Philadelphia George Washington elected president Lots of debate, sometimes heated — our Founding Fathers were not necessarily of one mind 3 compromises needed

Slave Trade Compromise

Southern states did not want to limit slave importation. North felt this was morally wrong. Compromise — 20 more years of slave importation after the new Constitution went into affect. Slave trade banned in 1809.

What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

To establish a firm league of friendship within the states Used to unify and carry out war.

Great Compromise

Virginia Plan — congressional representation based on population New Jersey Plan — congressional representation based on same number per state Two houses of Congress — bicameral House of Representatives are based on population Senate is based on the same number of students per state

3/5 Compromise

What Virginia wanted - Slaves to count as a citizen for representation but as non-citizens taxation. What New Jersey wanted - Slaves shouldn't count representation but should count for taxation. Final compromise; A slave would count as 3/5 as a person for these purposes.