Background on the Articles of Confederation
On 12 June 1776, three weeks before the proclamation of independence, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to draft articles of government for a "firm league of friendship" of the thirteen divergent states. The Articles of Confederation were presented to Congress on July 12, however the frame of government proposed for a perpetual union by the committee appeared to many of the delegates as too centralized.
The kind of government which would be established to replace the British system was as vital to delegates as independence itself. Representatives of the states in the Second Continental Congress wanted to prevent the reappearance of any centralized authority which they associated with the British governmental system.
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/lessons/continuity-change/articles.html
The kind of government which would be established to replace the British system was as vital to delegates as independence itself. Representatives of the states in the Second Continental Congress wanted to prevent the reappearance of any centralized authority which they associated with the British governmental system.
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/lessons/continuity-change/articles.html
The Articles of Confederation
As you look at the Articles of Confederation, answer the following questions, use additional paper if needed.
1. Which states supported the Articles of Confederation? Why do you think each state’s name is listed in the introduction to the Articles?
2. Article II states that “each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence.” What do you think this implies regarding the stability of the union?
3. Article X notes that nine of the thirteen states would need to vote for any bill before it became law. Form a conclusion about why the Articles included this provision. Who might this provision have handicapped the central government?
4. According to Article XIII, describe how the Articles could be amended. In your view, would this be a workable way to change the Articles?
5. Speculate why it was important that the Articles of Confederation be written and in place before the British granted independence to the United States.
7. The framers of the Articles decided not to include an executive branch or a federal court system. Why do you think they did this? Do you think this was a good idea or a bad idea? Explain.
http://websites.nylearns.org/sashaharris/2007/4/29/198878/page.aspx
1. Which states supported the Articles of Confederation? Why do you think each state’s name is listed in the introduction to the Articles?
2. Article II states that “each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence.” What do you think this implies regarding the stability of the union?
3. Article X notes that nine of the thirteen states would need to vote for any bill before it became law. Form a conclusion about why the Articles included this provision. Who might this provision have handicapped the central government?
4. According to Article XIII, describe how the Articles could be amended. In your view, would this be a workable way to change the Articles?
5. Speculate why it was important that the Articles of Confederation be written and in place before the British granted independence to the United States.
7. The framers of the Articles decided not to include an executive branch or a federal court system. Why do you think they did this? Do you think this was a good idea or a bad idea? Explain.
http://websites.nylearns.org/sashaharris/2007/4/29/198878/page.aspx