key term - The Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government. It aimed to unify the states under a common framework while preserving their independence, but it ultimately highlighted the limitations of federal authority and governance in addressing national issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles created a unicameral legislature where each state had one vote, regardless of its size or population.
2. The federal government under the Articles lacked the power to levy taxes or regulate commerce, leading to significant financial difficulties.
3. Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making it nearly impossible to address its deficiencies.
4. The Articles successfully managed western land claims and facilitated the settlement of territories through ordinances like the Northwest Ordinance.
5. The weaknesses exposed by the Articles contributed to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where a new constitution was drafted to replace it.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of government established by the Articles of Confederation reflect the colonists' fears of centralized power?
  • The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government with limited authority, reflecting the colonists' wariness of centralized power reminiscent of British rule. The decision to establish a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state demonstrated a desire to maintain state sovereignty while avoiding an overreaching national government. This setup ultimately hindered effective governance as it lacked mechanisms for taxation or enforcement.
• What were some specific challenges faced by the United States under the Articles of Confederation that led to calls for reform?
  • Under the Articles, the U.S. faced numerous challenges such as economic instability due to an inability to tax and regulate trade, leading to debt and inflation. Additionally, interstate disputes over tariffs and trade barriers created tension among states. The inability to raise a standing army or address issues like Shays' Rebellion highlighted how weak central authority was ineffective in maintaining order and stability, ultimately driving the need for reform.
• Evaluate the significance of Shays' Rebellion in illustrating the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and its role in prompting constitutional change.
  • Shays' Rebellion was significant as it showcased the failure of the federal government under the Articles to address economic distress and civil unrest. The uprising revealed that without a strong national government, states could not maintain order or provide necessary support during crises. This rebellion galvanized leaders across the states and emphasized the urgent need for a more robust framework for governance, directly contributing to the Constitutional Convention where a new Constitution was drafted.

Related terms

Confederation:

A union of sovereign groups or states, united for purposes of common action, often in relation to other states.

Shays' Rebellion:

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers, protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response, which underscored the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Northwest Ordinance:

A law passed in 1787 that established a framework for governing the Northwest Territory and creating new states, representing one of the few successes under the Articles.