Lesson 11: How Did the Articles of Confederation Organize the First National Government?

Terms

Articles of Confederation  The first Constitution of the United States, created to form a perpetual union and a firm league of friendship among the thirteen original states. It was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on November 10, 1777, and sent to the states for ratification. It came into force on March 1, 1781, and served as the nation's constitution until 1789, when the U.S. Constitution replaced it. The Articles provided for a weak central government.

national government  The organization having central political authority in a nation. The representative unit of political organization.

Northwest Ordinance (1787)  An important law passed by Congress under the Articles of Confederation. The law prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory and provided for settling the western lands and the admission and organization of new states.

Shays' Rebellion  An armed revolt by Massachusetts farmers in 1786???87 who sought relief from debts and foreclosures of mortgages. Led by Daniel Shays, the group prevented judges from hearing mortgage foreclosure cases and attempted to capture an arsenal.