Transcription 8/21/2025, 12:01:48 AM

Notes

• Articles of Confederation: Key Points 1. First U.S. Government: Written in 1777, approved in 1781, it joined the 13 states in a loose alliance. 2. One Branch of Government: A Congress where each state had no president or national courts. 3. Power it Had: Could declare war, make treaties, print money, and manage Native American relations. 4. Power it Lacked: Could not collect taxes, enforce laws, or regulate trade between states. 5. Why it Failed: The weak government led to problems like Shays' Rebellion; it was replaced in 1789 by the U.S. Constitution. --- • Common Sense and Declaration of Independence - **Common Sense**: Written by Thomas Paine, it was a pamphlet that encouraged colonists to declare independence from Great Britain. It was very influential because it was read by many people. - **The Declaration of Independence**: The United States first needed to declare independence from Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson, at the young age of 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence. It was signed on July 4, 1776. That is why we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th. This is the day that the United States of America declared their independence from King George and Great...