Articles of confederation

The Articles of Confederation, formally known as the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, was formally ratified by all 13 states by early 1781.  It was the new form of government for the United States of America.  It was drafted by a committee led by John Dickinson.  It was a relatively short document, but it provided domestic and international legitimacy for the Continental Congress which was dealing with the Revolutionary War, countries in Europe, territorial issues, and Indian relations.  The Articles of Confederation does not last long and is replaced by the Constitution. 

What do you think the reason it is that it was replaced?

After the Declaration of Independence was passed on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress organized a committee led by John Dickinson to write our country's first plan for government.  That document was called the Articles of Confederation.  What influence did John Dickinson have on that document?

The Articles of Confederation was ratified and became the law of the land for a short period of time.  What kind of government was set up by the Articles and what powers did that government have?  What were some of its strengths and weaknesses?  What event finally brought about its demise?

Today our plan for government is the Constitution.  How does that document compare with the Articles of Confederation?  Why has it been so successful when the Articles of Confederation was not. 

This webquest will help you answer the questions above and give you more insight about our first plan of government, the Articles of Confederation.

After you have been placed into groups, research and answer the following questions as directed.  At the end are links to helpful websites.


1.  Who was John Dickinson and what part did he play in the writing of the Articles of Confederation?  Write 1-2 paragraphs about John Dickinson explaining his background and why he might have been a good choice for leading the committee to write the Articles of Confederation.

2.  Read the Articles of Confederation.  As you read, take notes over the different parts of the document to help you remember what it contains.

3.  Answer the following about the Articles of Confederation.  What kind of government did the document establish?  Briefly explain what that means.  List some of the powers the new government had.

4.  Make a chart showing the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.  Try to identify at least 6 weaknesses and 3 strengths.

5.  Read about Shays' Rebellion.  In 1-2 paragraphs, explain the significance of this event in relation to the Articles of Confederation.

6.  Read the US Constitution. 

7.  Create a chart comparing the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution using the following categories: 
    
     Date went into effect
     Number of Signers
     Type of Legislature
     Term of Office
     Number of Votes per State
     Type of Executive/How Elected/Term of Office
     Type of Judiciary/How Elected/Term of Office
     Amending Process

8.  In your own words, why do you think the Constitution has been more successful than the Articles of Confederation.  Use the information gathered above to answer this question.  (1-2 pages typed)

http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/related/dickinson.htm

http://www.historyrocket.com/American-History/timeline/1600-1799/articles-of-confederation/Weakness-Of-The-Articles-Of-Confederation.html

http://americanhistory.about.com/od/governmentandpolitics/f/articles_of_confederation_fails.htm

http://www.usconstitution.net/articles.html

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articles_of_Confederation

Throughout this lesson you have learned about the Articles of Confederation that I hope will prepare you for the Amazing Race "New Nation/Government".  You now know who wrote it and why.  You have read the document and analyized e its strengths and weaknesses, and the  events that caused Congress to realize that it wasn't working and needed to be revised.  Lastly, you've compared the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution and explained why you feel the creation of the Constitution was the right descision.

I encourage you to continue your research of the Constitiution and founding fathers that created it, because it is a "living" document that continues to evolve and to govern our nation.

This webquest was designed to introduce the formation of our governemnt and the issues that our founding fathers faced in creating a governent that would support the country and meet the needs of it's citizens. I created this for my American Hisotry 1 class.

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