11.2 The Articles of Confederation
3 min read•august 13, 2024
The , America's first governing document, created a loose alliance of states with a weak . It gave states more power, leaving Congress unable to tax or regulate trade, and lacked executive and judicial branches.
This system proved inadequate for the young nation's needs. Financial struggles, trade disputes, and an inability to respond to crises led to the realization that a stronger central government was necessary, paving the way for the Constitution.
The Articles of Confederation: Structure and Provisions
Confederation of Sovereign States
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- The Articles of established a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government
- Most power was left with the state governments, prioritizing state over a strong central government
- Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent of all thirteen states, making it difficult to adapt the government to changing needs (e.g., addressing weaknesses or responding to crises)
Congressional Governance
- The confederation was governed by a Congress, in which each state had one vote, regardless of its size or population
- Congress was responsible for:
- Conducting foreign affairs
- Declaring war or peace
- Maintaining an army and navy
- Establishing a postal service
- However, Congress lacked the power to:
- Tax
- Regulate trade
- Enforce laws
Lack of Executive and Judicial Branches
- There was no executive branch or judiciary at the federal level
- The absence of a strong executive made it difficult to respond quickly and effectively to crises ( in Massachusetts)
- The lack of a national judiciary made it challenging to resolve disputes between states and enforce the limited laws passed by Congress
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles
Strengths
- Maintained the independence and sovereignty of individual states, preventing the central government from becoming too powerful
- Established a framework for states to cooperate on issues of common interest
- National defense
- Foreign policy
Weaknesses
- Central government lacked the power to tax, relying on voluntary contributions from states
- Often led to financial difficulties (struggling to pay off war debts and fund operations)
- Congress did not have the authority to regulate commerce between states or with foreign nations
- Led to economic disparities and conflicts (trade disputes between states)
- Absence of a strong executive branch and national judiciary
- Difficult to enforce laws and resolve disputes between states
- Requirement of unanimous consent for amendments made it nearly impossible to modify the Articles to address the government's weaknesses
Effectiveness of the Articles
Foundation for National Government
- Provided a foundation for a national government during the Revolutionary War and early years of independence
- Served as a valuable learning experience for the young nation, highlighting the need for a more robust central government
Challenges in Addressing National Needs
- Weaknesses became increasingly apparent as the nation faced new challenges
- Lack of a strong central government made it difficult to address issues such as:
- War debts
- Conflicts between states
- Inability to tax or regulate trade hindered the government's ability to:
- Raise funds
- Stabilize the economy
- Led to a period of economic depression and social unrest
Challenges Under the Articles
Financial Challenges
- National government struggled to pay off war debts and fund its operations due to inability to levy taxes
- Relied on voluntary contributions from states, which were often insufficient
- Lack of a uniform currency contributed to financial instability
Economic Challenges
- Inability to regulate led to trade disputes between states
- Absence of uniform economic policies hindered economic growth and stability
Foreign Policy Challenges
- Difficulties in negotiating trade agreements and maintaining a strong military presence
- Government's lack of resources and authority hampered its ability to conduct effective foreign policy
Constitutional Convention
- Growing realization of these challenges led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787
- Delegates worked to create a more effective governing document for the nation, addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Key Terms to Review (15)
Amendment process: The amendment process is the method by which changes or additions can be made to a legal document, specifically the Constitution in the context of American governance. This process is crucial for allowing the Constitution to adapt over time, reflecting the evolving needs and values of society. In the framework of the Articles of Confederation, this process was notably complex and required a high level of consensus among the states, which often made it difficult to implement necessary changes.
Articles of Confederation: The Articles of Confederation were the first written constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a loose alliance of sovereign states and a weak central government. While they played a crucial role in governing the nation during the Revolutionary War, they ultimately highlighted the need for a stronger federal system due to their many limitations.
Central government: A central government is the primary governing authority in a political system, responsible for making and enforcing laws, managing resources, and providing services at a national level. In the context of the Articles of Confederation, it refers to the limited federal authority established to govern the newly independent states after the American Revolution, highlighting the challenges of creating a strong and effective national leadership while maintaining state sovereignty.
Confederation: A confederation is a political system in which independent states unite for a common purpose while retaining their individual sovereignty. In this type of arrangement, the central authority is typically weak, and member states hold significant power, leading to challenges in governance and coordination. The Articles of Confederation represented the first governing document of the United States, illustrating the complexities of a confederation during a time of emerging national identity.
Economic instability: Economic instability refers to fluctuations in the economy that can lead to uncertainty, inflation, unemployment, and other financial crises. This term is crucial in understanding the challenges faced by new nations and governments as they navigate their economic policies and fiscal responsibilities, particularly in contexts where they lack the established systems for managing these fluctuations effectively.
Interstate commerce: Interstate commerce refers to the trade and economic activities that take place between two or more states within the United States. This concept is crucial because it highlights the challenges of regulating trade and economic interactions in a nation composed of independent states, especially under the framework of the Articles of Confederation, which struggled to manage economic unity among states.
John Dickinson: John Dickinson was an influential American statesman and a key figure in the early resistance to British colonial policies. Known for his articulate writings and moderate stance, he played a significant role in advocating for the rights of the colonies while seeking reconciliation with Britain. His work laid the groundwork for later revolutionary ideas and documents, reflecting the complex relationship between the colonies and British authority.
Lack of a standing army: The lack of a standing army refers to the absence of a permanent, professional military force maintained by a government during peacetime. This concept was central to the Articles of Confederation, where the newly formed United States opted for a system that relied heavily on state militias for defense and security. This decision reflected fears of tyranny and a desire for local control, but it also led to significant challenges in addressing national defense and maintaining order.
Land Ordinance of 1785: The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a law enacted by the United States Congress that established a systematic process for surveying, dividing, and selling public lands in the western territories. This legislation aimed to promote orderly settlement and generate revenue for the federal government while creating a framework for land sales that would facilitate the expansion of the United States.
Ratification: Ratification is the formal approval or confirmation of an agreement, treaty, or constitution by an authoritative body or individual. In the context of the Articles of Confederation, ratification involved the acceptance of this foundational document by all thirteen states, allowing it to take effect and govern the new nation. This process highlighted the importance of consensus among states and showcased the challenges of uniting diverse interests under a single governing framework.
Richard Henry Lee: Richard Henry Lee was a prominent American statesman and a founding father known for his role in advocating for independence from Great Britain. He is best remembered for his resolution in the Continental Congress calling for independence, which set the stage for the Declaration of Independence. His efforts not only helped to unify the colonies against British rule but also influenced the drafting of the Articles of Confederation as the first framework of government for the newly independent states.
Shays' Rebellion: Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising that took place in 1786-1787, primarily in western Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays. It arose as a response to economic hardship and government policies perceived as unjust, particularly the heavy taxation and lack of financial relief for struggling farmers. This rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and played a significant role in sparking discussions about the need for a stronger federal government.
Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority of a state to govern itself or another state, free from external interference. It encompasses the idea of political independence and control over territory, enabling a government to create laws, enforce them, and conduct foreign affairs. Sovereignty is crucial in understanding the emergence of new nations during significant historical events, particularly those that led to the establishment of self-governing entities and the recognition of their rights on the international stage.
States' rights: States' rights refer to the political theory that individual states have the authority to govern themselves and make decisions independent of the federal government. This concept emphasizes the power and autonomy of state governments, often in contrast to federal authority, and plays a crucial role in understanding the early political landscape of the United States during its formative years and the establishment of governance.
Taxation power: Taxation power refers to the authority of a governing body to impose taxes on individuals and entities to generate revenue for public use. This power is crucial in shaping government finances, determining spending priorities, and influencing economic behavior. In the context of early American governance, taxation power was a contentious issue that highlighted the struggle between state authority and federal authority under the Articles of Confederation.