Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, establishing a national government with limited powers. It created a loose alliance of the thirteen states, emphasizing state sovereignty while granting Congress the authority to manage foreign affairs and handle war, but lacking the power to tax or regulate commerce effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles established a unicameral legislature where each state had one vote, regardless of its population size.
2. Congress could not levy taxes under the Articles, which led to financial difficulties and reliance on state donations for funding.
3. The lack of a national executive or judiciary made enforcing laws and resolving disputes between states difficult.
4. Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making changes nearly impossible.
5. The weaknesses of the Articles ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where a new constitution was drafted.

Review Questions

• How did the limitations imposed by the Articles of Confederation affect the ability of Congress to govern effectively?
  • The limitations of the Articles severely restricted Congress's ability to govern. Without the power to tax, Congress struggled to raise funds for essential services and military needs. The inability to regulate commerce between states led to economic conflicts and trade disputes. These weaknesses made it difficult for the federal government to address national issues, highlighting the need for a stronger governing framework.
• In what ways did Shays' Rebellion demonstrate the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and influence calls for reform?
  • Shays' Rebellion showcased how the federal government lacked the power to respond effectively to civil unrest and economic distress under the Articles. The rebellion was fueled by economic hardship and high taxes, which revealed that Congress could not maintain order or provide support for struggling citizens. The uprising alarmed leaders across the nation and highlighted the urgent need for a more powerful central government, ultimately leading to discussions at the Constitutional Convention.
• Evaluate how the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution reflects broader themes in American governance and society during that era.
  • The transition from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution illustrates a significant shift from a loose confederation toward a more centralized federal system. This change reflects broader themes such as the balancing act between liberty and authority, as well as competing interests among states with different economic priorities. It also indicates a growing consensus among American leaders about the necessity of a strong national government to address collective challenges, which set the foundation for modern federalism.

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 led by farmers in Massachusetts protesting against high taxes and economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states.