Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, establishing a league of friendship among the thirteen original states. This document created a weak central government with limited powers, reflecting the colonies' fear of tyranny after gaining independence from Britain and leading to significant challenges in governance and national unity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles established a unicameral legislature where each state had one vote, emphasizing equality among states but limiting representation based on population.
2. The central government lacked the power to tax, which made it difficult to raise funds for national defense and pay off war debts.
3. Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making it nearly impossible to adapt to changing circumstances.
4. Disputes between states and economic instability highlighted the inefficiencies of the Articles, leading to calls for reform.
5. The failure of the Articles paved the way for the Constitutional Convention, where leaders sought to create a stronger federal government that balanced state and national interests.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of government under the Articles of Confederation reflect the colonists' experiences with British rule?
  • The structure under the Articles of Confederation was deliberately designed to limit federal authority, mirroring the colonists' fears of a strong centralized government reminiscent of British tyranny. With a unicameral legislature and no executive branch, power was decentralized, placing significant authority in the hands of individual states. This cautious approach stemmed from their desire to protect their newfound independence while avoiding oppressive rule.
• What were some key events or issues that revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
  • Key events like Shays' Rebellion illustrated the weaknesses inherent in the Articles. The inability of the federal government to intervene effectively during this uprising demonstrated a lack of military power and financial resources. Additionally, interstate disputes over trade and territory highlighted how the Articles failed to create a cohesive national policy or address economic issues, prompting widespread recognition that reform was necessary.
• Evaluate how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation influenced the decisions made at the Constitutional Convention.
  • The weaknesses of the Articles played a critical role in shaping discussions at the Constitutional Convention. Delegates recognized that a stronger federal government was needed to manage interstate commerce, enforce laws, and provide for national defense. The frustrations experienced under the Articles led to compromises in creating a bicameral legislature, establishing an executive branch, and implementing a system of checks and balances, all aimed at addressing previous governance failures while still protecting state sovereignty.

Related terms

Confederation: A union of sovereign states, where each state retains its independence and has significant authority over its own affairs.

Shays' Rebellion: An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and the inability of the government under the Articles to address their grievances.

Constitutional Convention: A gathering held in 1787 to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, ultimately leading to the drafting of the current U.S. Constitution.