In this assignment, you will imagine it is 1786 and you are a spy for the British. You listen to what people are saying about the newly formed government in America. The Articles of Confederation outline who has certain powers between the states and Congress. You are to write a letter to your Commander explaining the powers and weaknesses of Congress under the Articles of Confederation.

Here is your guide:
Confidential Letter
December 1786

Dear Lieutenant Major Reginald Brighton,
First paragraph should include:
· An explanation of the powers that Congress has under the Articles of Confederation (list 3)
· A list of the strengths of the new government under the Articles of Confederation (what is
working)
· A list of the weaknesses of the new government under the Articles of Confederation (read text version at bottom of p. 2)
· Examples of how people have reacted to the new government (Shays’ Rebellion)

Second paragraph should include:
· An explanation of why a new, stronger government is necessary (your opinion after reading what
the farmer said after Shays’ Rebellion )
· Prediction of what you think will happen in the United States next (think about the rebellion and
what farmer 2 said)