Weaknesses of theWeaknesses of theArticles of Articles of

ConfederationConfederationA unicameral Congress [9 of 13 votes to pass a law].

13 out of 13 to amend.

Could not tax or raise armies.

No executive or judicial branches.

State Claims to Western State Claims to Western LandsLands

Land Ordinance of 1785Land Ordinance of 1785

•$1 per acre with 640 acre mininimum•Raised $760,000 revenue in 4 years

The United States in The United States in 17871787

Northwest (Land) Ordinance of 1787Northwest (Land) Ordinance of 1787

Strategy for territories to become states. (60,000 pop. Minimum)

Guaranteed freedom of religion.

Guaranteed trial by jury.

Prohibited slavery in Northwest Territory

New states have equal status with 13Vermont-1791Kentucky-1792Tennessee-1796

Economic ProblemsEconomic Problems

41.2 million in debt including 7.9 in international debt

Domestic debt reduced to 6 million, international debt increased to 10.2

Negotiated commercial treaties with France, Sweden, Prussia, Morocco

Failed to solve tariff conflicts between states

Failed to solve paper currency abuses

States voted down tax requests

International ProblemsInternational Problems

Jay-Gardoqui Treaty accepted Spain’s closure of lower Mississippi in exchange for commercial treaty favorable to New England

Unable to get England reopen West Indies trade or accept imports (rice, indigo, tobacco)

British flood U.S. with manufactured goods

Trade deficit=deflation=depression

American Exports, To & American Exports, To & From Britain: 1783-1789From Britain: 1783-1789

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-77

•Former Continental soldiers not paid back pay•Land confiscated when they can’t pay taxes

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-77

There could be no stronger evidence of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders.

-- George Washington-- George Washington

Annapolis Convention Annapolis Convention (1786)(1786)

12 representatives from 5 states

GOAL address barriers that limited trade and commerce between the states.

Sent a report to the Congress to call a meeting of all the states to meet in Philadelphia to examine areas broader than just trade and commerce.

Constitutional Constitutional ConventionConventionWhat were the motives of our

Founding Fathers?

To what extent was the Constitution a conservative reaction by “monied men” to their fear of the ordinary American citizen?

What was the historical impact of the Great Compromise & the 3/5ths Compromise?

Federalist vs. Anti-FederalistFederalist vs. Anti-FederalistStrongholdsStrongholds

Antifederalist Objections to Antifederalist Objections to ConstitutionConstitution

No Bill of RightsFear of abuse of centralized power & loss of state power, including executive branchConcern over federal power to tax, regulate trade, & raise armyFear of big states dominating small statesSlavery: Pro & anti groupsLack of democracy in elections