Preamble includes “Articles of Confederation
and Perpetual Union,” 15 November 1777, and names of the
13 states.
Article I
[name] “United States of America”
Article II
Each state retains sovereignty & rights not expressly delegated
to Congress.
Article III
League of friendship between states – defense & assistance.
Article IV
Mutual Privileges to citizens of other states.
Extradition of criminals between states.
Article V
State delegates meet first Monday of each November.
Each state 2-7 members, term limits outlined.
Each state one vote
Article VI
States cannot make separate treaties
Provides for state militias.
States cannot go to war separately (exceptions for sudden Indian
or pirate attacks).
Article VII
Officers of Colonel and below appointed by state legislatures
Article VIII
War expenses (common defense) from common treasury provided by
taxes based on property valuation in each state.
Article IX
Congressional powers
- Determine peace or war.
- Send/receive ambassadors.
- Enter into treaties and alliances.
- Establish rules of capture, division of prizes, grant letters
of marque and reprisal, appoint courts for crimes on high seas,
establish courts for capture appeals.
- Act as court of last resort in disputes between states.
- Regulate coinage.
- Fix standard weights and measures.
- Regulate trade with and manage affairs with Indians.
- Establish and regulate post offices and exact postage fees.
- Appoint military officers above regimental level and make rules
for forces and operations.
- Appoint committee and officers, including President, to manage
general affairs of the United States during congressional recess.
- Ascertain, appropriate and apply money for public expenses.
- Borrow money, emit bills on U. S. credit.
- Requisition forces from each state, based on number of white
inhabitants, to be raised, clothed, equipped, and dispatched by
each state legislature.
- Actions of Congress must be approved by 9 of 13 states on major
actions (war, treaties, coin, credit) majority on all others.
- Congress can adjourn to any place or time, but for no longer
than 6 months.
- Congress will publish Journal of proceedings monthly, except
for necessary secrecy concerning treaties, alliances, or military
operations.
Article X
Committee of states can execute powers during recess except those
requiring 9/13 approval.
Article XI
Canada entitled to advantages by acceding to confederation, but
no other colony unless agreed upon by 9 of 13 states.
Article XII
Assumption of debt taken on by Congress before confederation
Article XIII
Each state shall abide by and observe this confederation and perpetual
union.
Any alteration must be agreed to by Congress and confirmed by
every state legislature.
• Conclusion provides for ratification and
confirmation by representatives of state legislatures and pledge
to abide by decisions of Congress.
• Signed and dated at Philadelphia 9 July 1778.
