U. S. First National Government Articles of Confederation Answer Key

What is a confederation? A confederation is a loose union of states.

1. 
   Unified states together to fight the British
   
2. 
   Won war -- Gained independence
   
3. 
   Created a peace treaty with Britain
   
4. 
   Prevented each state from conducting foreign affairs
   

1. 
   Each state considered themselves separate countries basically.
   
   1. 
      only worried about individual state’s interest
      
      1. 
         Virginians only worried about Virginia
         
2. 
   People didn’t think citizen of America
   
   1. 
      Considered themselves Virginians not Americans, etc.
      
3. 
   State government didn’t cooperate with each other
   
4. 
   National government was weak
   
   1. 
      no power to unify states
      
   2. 
      no courts to settle disputes
      
   3. 
      no trade between states and other nations
      
   4. 
      no money, couldn’t raise money -- states wouldn’t give money
      
      1. 
         Americans not making a living
         
      2. 
         Businesses were failing
         
      3. 
         Soldiers from war were not paid, etc.
         

What is an Ordinance? An Ordinance is an order or law made by government

1. 
   Organize own government
   
2. 
   When get large population could join union
   
3. 
   New state have equal rights like original states
   
4. 
   Public land set aside for public schools
   
5. 
   Slavery unlawful in new states
   
6. 
   Freedom of religion, speech, press