3.03 Who has the Power? By now you should be familiar with the main features of the Articles of Confederation. You examined some of the powers this document gave to Congress and the states. You also learned about the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, and you saw how a weak national government led to problems and even violence. These problems convinced the country’s leaders to make some important changes to the government.

Confidential Report

Imagine that you are a British spy sent to find out more about the newly formed U. S. government. It is 1786. You have traveled from Virginia to Massachusetts to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the new nation. On your mission, you listen in to what the people are saying.

Your Mission:

Your commander, Lieutenant Major Reginald Brighton, wants a full report on what is happening in the United States. Specifically, he needs information on the Articles of Confederation, and he wants to know why a stronger government is necessary for the country to survive. In your confidential letter of at least two paragraphs, be sure to include the following elements:

A formal tone used for writing, as you are addressing your commander

A heading or title including date and greeting to the commander (for example, "Confidential Letter, December 1786.")

First paragraph:

An explanation of the powers that Congress has under the Articles of Confederation

A list of the strengths of the new government under the Articles of Confederation

A list of the weaknesses of the new government under the Articles of Confederation

Examples of how people have reacted to the new government

Second paragraph:

An explanation of why a new, stronger government is necessary

If you do well, your commander may reward you with a promotion. After all, your mission is for the glory of Great Britain, which was humiliated by its defeat in the Revolutionary War. The commander is detail-oriented and will want as many facts as possible.

Hints:

You should review the information you learned about the Articles of Confederation.

Shays' Rebellion might interest the commander.

Think about the economic trouble in the states and how it affected different social classes.

Your explanation of why a stronger government is needed should be based on the conditions in the United States in 1786.

Guidelines:

Since your audience is a commanding officer, the tone of the letter should be respectful.

Your letter should include a thorough explanation of the Articles of Confederation: the powers it gives to Congress, the strengths and weaknesses it gives to the government, and how people have reacted to it.

Your letter should include an explanation of why a new, stronger government is necessary in order for the country to survive.

Your letter should include a heading or title including date and greeting to the commander (for example, "Confidential Letter, December 1786.")

Planning Work Space:

Introduction: (introduce yourself and state your purpose for writing, remember to keep a formal tone, this is a letter to your commander, Lieutenant Major Reginald Brighton)

First Paragraph: (explanation of the powers that Congress has under the Articles of Confederation, list of strengths of the new government under the Articles of Confederation, list of weaknesses of the new government under the Articles of Confederation and examples of how people have reacted to the new government)

Second Paragraph: (explanation of why a new, stronger government is necessary)

Closing: (restate your purpose for writing and what you hope to see happen)