In this Grade 5 lesson from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 6, students learn how the Articles of Confederation established America's first national government with a single legislative branch and no executive or judicial branch. Students explore the document's key weaknesses, including Congress's inability to collect taxes or regulate trade, and examine how these flaws led to economic problems such as inflation and events like Shays' Rebellion. The lesson builds understanding of the vocabulary terms ratified, legislative, executive, judicial, and inflation in the context of the post-Revolutionary War United States.
Section 1
Creating a Weak National Government
After the Revolution, Americans feared creating another powerful government like the one in Great Britain. They wanted the thirteen states to keep most of their own power and independence.
Leaders created the Articles of Confederation, which became the official plan for the national government in 1781.
Section 2
Shays' Rebellion Shows the Government's Weakness
After the Revolutionary War, many farmers struggled with debt. The national government under the Articles of Confederation was too weak to solve these money problems. It could not tax the states to raise money, which made it hard to help the people.
In Massachusetts, a former soldier led an armed uprising of farmers in 1786. This event became known as Shays's Rebellion.
Section 3
The Articles Organize New Territories
Even with its weaknesses, the government under the Articles created a plan for westward expansion. The Land Ordinance of 1785 established a system for surveying and selling land to settlers. This law also set aside a part of each township for public schools.
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was an even more important law. It created a clear process for territories to become new states. This ordinance banned slavery in the Northwest Territory and guaranteed religious freedom. However, while it promised fair treatment for American Indians, it also created a system for taking their lands.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Creating a Weak National Government
After the Revolution, Americans feared creating another powerful government like the one in Great Britain. They wanted the thirteen states to keep most of their own power and independence.
Leaders created the Articles of Confederation, which became the official plan for the national government in 1781.
Section 2
Shays' Rebellion Shows the Government's Weakness
After the Revolutionary War, many farmers struggled with debt. The national government under the Articles of Confederation was too weak to solve these money problems. It could not tax the states to raise money, which made it hard to help the people.
In Massachusetts, a former soldier led an armed uprising of farmers in 1786. This event became known as Shays's Rebellion.
Section 3
The Articles Organize New Territories
Even with its weaknesses, the government under the Articles created a plan for westward expansion. The Land Ordinance of 1785 established a system for surveying and selling land to settlers. This law also set aside a part of each township for public schools.
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was an even more important law. It created a clear process for territories to become new states. This ordinance banned slavery in the Northwest Territory and guaranteed religious freedom. However, while it promised fair treatment for American Indians, it also created a system for taking their lands.