Handout B: Articles of Confederation: Legislative Powers
Articles of Confederation: Legislative Powers
Directions: Read the following primary source and answer the critical thinking questions.
Article VIII. All charges of war, and all other expenses that shall be incurred for the common defense or general welfare, and allowed by the United States in congress assembled, shall be defrayed out of a common treasury, which shall be supplied by the several states in proportion to the value of all land within each state . . . . The taxes for paying that proportion shall be laid and levied by the authority and direction of the legislatures of the several states within the time agreed upon by the United States in Congress assembled . . . .
Article IX. The United States in congress assembled, shall have the sole and exclusive right and power of determining on peace and war . . . .
The United States in congress assembled shall also have the sole and exclusive right and power of regulating the alloy and value of coin struck by their own authority, or by that of the respective states— fixing the standard of weights and measures throughout the United States—regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the Indians….establishing or regulating post-offices from one state to another, throughout all the United States….making rules for the government and regulation of the said land and naval forces, and directing their operations…
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS
- Did Congress have the power to tax or was it dependent upon the states? Explain your answer.
- What powers did Congress have under the Articles?