Article Failure Summary 2nd Period

We technically have two Constitutions. 1776-1787 followed the Articles of Confederation. The Feds (Federalists) were too weak and the states were too strong. Federalism is the division of power between the federal government and the states. Under colonialism, there was a bad view or interpretation of what government should be due to the abuse under British rule. There was a lack of trust in Central power. The Articles limited the power of the federal government. The States were independent States. There was one branch of government under the Articles and it was Legislative. Congress held thirteen members, one from each state, for equal representation. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 gave the federal government jurisdiction to expand the nation. The structure of the Articles of Confederation inhibited the ability of U.S. to advance. There was no president or leader, no court system, no ability to tax, no army, no monetary system, no ability to regulate commerce. Within the legislation there had to be a super majority (9 out of 13 votes) to pass laws and a unanimous decision to amend the Articles. Shay's Rebellion was the straw that broke the camel's back. As a result the Federalists' Papers were written to revamp the Articles of Confederation.