"We the People"

1. Why did the articles of confederation create only a legislative branch of government? 2. How did the Articles of Confederation deal with fears that some states would dominate others in national government?

1. After the revolutionary way, many people feared a strong national government with figures representing monarchical kings. The citizens of the newly formed country feared a strong national government. 2. Each state had one vote, regardless of its population. In the case of important matters, 9 states had to agree. A formula was created for requesting funds that was not based on population, free or enslaved.

1. What were some achievements of the national government under the Articles of Confederation? 2. What were some of the weaknesses of the articles of confederation?

1.- The Confederate states created executive departments to administer finance, for foreign relations and affairs, which were the beginnings of the cabinet departments of state and treasure. - The Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which created the north west territory and a plan for its government. The ordinance made a process for how new states could become states, slavery would be prohibited from north west states, and new states set aside land that could be sold to fund schools. 2. - Congress did not have the power to tax, so congress didn't have the money to pay back for revolutionary war debts. For example, congress asked that the states provide 10 mil but they only gave up a total of 1.5. - Congress could make agreements with foreign nations, but could not control whether the states would follow the agreements. Sometimes, goods were imported and citizens refused to pay. Other nations did not want to trade with the US. - Congress had no power to make new laws regulating trade among the states. - Congress had no power to make laws directly regulating the behavior of citizens.

What was Shay's rebellion? Why did it occur? What was its historical significance?

In 1786, a group of several hundreds of farmers assembled under Daniel Shay's leadership. This group was called the regulators, because they wanted to regulate state government. Massachusetts farmers like himself experienced difficulty, because they were in the revolutionary war and had not been able to pay of debts since congress had no money to pay them. Shays and the regulators tried to capture and arsenal and the governor called the state militia. This conflict created fears which later contributed to the decision to rewrite the articles of confederation.

What are some characteristics of the Articles of confederation?

Left most of power towards state legislature. Under the articles of confederation, the confederation congress had no power over people within states, only state governments had that power. Congress also had no power to collect taxes, only to request money from state governments. Congress also had no power to regulate trade between states.

What we positive and negative consequences of limited national government? Which Americans were satisfied with government under the confederation and which weren't?

Positive Affects: lesser chance of a dictatorship Negative affects: weakened relations with other countries, debt/ economy issues with different currencies, heightened crime, and corruption within state legislature. Satisfied Americans: antifederalists Dissatisfied Americans: farmers, veterans, traders, federalists