Articles of Confederation

And the Constitution

Articles of ConfederationStarted in 1777

It was a plan to join the states together

It gave the 13 states a plan for government

The articles were popular because it did not make the

national government too strong

It was approved by all 13 states in 1781

T- Chart (Articles of Confed.)

1781-1787

States have the most power

No president

State courts only- no national courts

Congress has no power to tax

Congress cannot regulate trade among states

States have own money

No military

No treaties with other countries

States all had to agree to changes

The Convention55 delegates attended

Held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1787

Well-educated men

George Washington was the leader

Delegates were important people from the other states

They shared the same ideas about the government

Security at the ConventionDoors to the State House were guarded

Only delegates were allowed inside

They were not allowed to discuss things with outsiders

Their meetings were private and secret from the public

What were they trying to do?

The delegates were trying to revise the Articles of Confederation; a new plan of government was needed

9 out of 13 states had to approve it

On September 17, 1787 the delegates agreed and signed the Constitution

Constitution (T-Chart)States have some power, most power given

to nat. govt

President

Military w/ president in charge

National and state courts

Laws passed by majority vote of both houses of Congress

Congress has power to tax

Congress has power to regulate interstate and foreign trade

National Money

Bill of Rights