1. Articles of Confederation

• became the government of "Critical Period" 1781-89
• introduced 1776 by John Dickinson, report approved 1777 by Congress
• but fear of too powerful government and dispute over western lands
• Articles opposed by MD until ratified March 1, 1781, as a war measure, after VA ceded western land claims
• "Perpetual Union" of 13 sovereign states - must be unanimous to change
• 2/3 vote to pass laws
• no president, courts, taxes, tariff, trade regulation
• Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance
• plan for central bank, 5% impost, credits to manufacturers
• NY and RI vetoed Morris plan, had own tariff
• Treaty of Fort Stanwix 1784 - lands west of Pittsburgh
• a "Pepetual Union" of 13 states and summary of 13 articles