The Articles of Confederation

Compare and contrast these Articles of Confederation with those ratified by the Continental Congress several years later.

Identify some of the elements of Franklin’s Articles of Confederation that are radical for his time. Discuss what makes them so novel.

How were these Articles of Confederation influenced by the Enlightenment?

How did Franklin address the differing opinions in the Continental Congress?

Identify the different perspectives and discuss how Franklin addresses each one in the Articles of Confederation.

How does Franklin think the new United Colonies of North America should treat Native Americans? How is this different from what actually happened?

What are the benefits and drawbacks to the proportional system of representation that Franklin outlines for Congress in the articles? How did the Constitution address some of the drawbacks by having two houses of Congress?

Look at some of the events leading up to the Revolutionary War. Choose three of these and discuss how might they have influenced Franklin’s document.