Articles of Confederation

A Government Designed to Fail? The Articles of Confederation

Essential Question: Why was the United States’ first government, the Articles of Confederation, so weak, and why did this failure lead to a new Constitution?

Part 1: Do Now (5 minutes)

Think back to the reasons the American colonists declared independence from Great Britain. List at least two grievances (complaints) they had against King George III. Based on those complaints, what kind of government do you think the new United States would want to avoid creating?

Part 2: Finding the Flaws (20 minutes)

Directions: The new United States was terrified of creating a central government that was too powerful. Their first constitution was called the Articles of Confederation. With a partner, read the excerpts below and identify the weakness in each.

Flaw #1: The States Have All the Power

Article II. Each state retains its sovereignty [supreme power], freedom, and independence, and every power...which is not...expressly delegated to the United States...

According to Article II, who has more power: the individual states or the central "United States" government? How can you tell? (Find evidence in text)

Flaw #2: No Power to Tax

Article VIII. ...expenses...shall be supplied by the several States... The taxes for paying that proportion shall be...levied by the...legislatures of the several States.

How does the central government get money to operate? What if a state decides not to give any money? Be specific.

Identify the Weakness: Why is this a major problem? What can't the government do if it doesn't have its own money?

Flaw #3: Too Hard to Pass Laws

Article IX. The United States...shall have authority to...declare war...provided that a vote of nine states is required.

Article XIII. ...nor shall any alteration at any time hereafter be made in any of them; unless such alteration be agreed to...by the legislatures of every State.

How many of the 13 states were needed to pass a major law? How many were needed to change the Articles?

Identify the Weakness: Why would it be almost impossible to get anything done in this government?

Part 3: Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

Prompt: Based on the flaws you found, what was the single biggest problem with the Articles of Confederation? Explain your answer. (4 - 5 sentences)