Weaknesses of the Articles of ConfederationGoals:To understand the shortcomings of the ArticlesTo create a political cartoon

Economic Weaknesses

•The Federal government couldn’t establish common currency

•Congress couldn’t regulate interstate commerce

•Congress couldn’t levy taxes•The states could refuse to pay dues to the

federal government•In this system, the states bankrupted the

nation

Shays’ Rebellion•Debt mounted and creditors began

harassing farmers for payment•Farmers faced foreclosure on their farms•Farmers in western Mass. took up arms•Daniel Shays was a Revolutionary War vet

who led over 1000 farmers to arms in order to shut down the courts

•The states began to alter the courts to appease such rebellions

•It was obvious a stronger national government was needed

The Rundown: Major Weaknesses•Congress had no power to tax•Congress had no power to regulate

interstate commerce•Each state had one vote in Congress,

regardless of size•A 2/3 majority was required to pass laws•All states must agree to an amendment to

Articles•No executive branch to enforce the acts of

Congress•No system of federal courts

Your assignment

•Create a political cartoon illustrating one of the weaknesses of the Articles

•Must have color•Must be classroom appropriate