Mr. Dowling
The Articles of Confederation
What are the characteristics of the United States' first government, the Articles of Confederation?
1781-The first attempt at a central/federal government in the United States was the Confederacy
Characteristics of the Articles of Confederation
Gave a large amount of power to the states and little power to the national government.
The people were reluctant to give power to the central government because they feared a return to tyranny (after British rule).
The government was run by a unicameral legislature.Each state had one vote in congress.
Unicameral=one house
Today, our congress is bicameral (two houses).
Limited Powers: Congress could only pass laws if 9 states approved it. Congress could only make amendments to the Articles with the approval of all 13 delegates.