Chapter 3: Politics of the American Founding

Why did colonists leave England?

To escape feudalism and for the opportunity to own land, for economic opportunities, and to practice religion freely

Articles of Confederation

established a "firm league of friendship," created a confederacy giving power to the state, federal government had few powers and limited ability to carry out those powers

Provisions to the Articles of Confederation empowered Congress to...

make peace, coin money, appoint officers for an army, control the post office, and negotiate with Indian tribes

Problems with the Articles

no executive branch = weak national government, and no power to tax without states' consent which made it difficult to establish a national army without money, congress could pass laws but had little power to execute or enforce them, no authority to regul