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key term - Articles

Definition

The Articles refer to the Articles of Confederation, which was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781. This document established a framework for a national government and aimed to unite the thirteen original states under a common authority. However, it ultimately revealed significant weaknesses that led to challenges in governance and prompted calls for a stronger federal system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Articles of Confederation created a weak national government, giving most powers to the individual states, which led to issues like interstate trade disputes.
  2. Congress lacked the authority to impose taxes under the Articles, making it difficult to raise revenue and pay off debts from the Revolutionary War.
  3. The absence of an executive branch meant there was no central leadership to enforce laws or manage national affairs effectively.
  4. The requirement of unanimous consent for amendments made it nearly impossible to adapt the Articles to changing needs and circumstances.
  5. Events like Shays' Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles and fueled the movement toward a stronger federal government, culminating in the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Review Questions

  • How did the structure of government established by the Articles of Confederation create challenges for effective governance?
    • The government structure under the Articles of Confederation created challenges primarily due to its emphasis on state sovereignty over federal authority. With most powers residing with individual states, Congress had limited ability to address national issues such as taxation and trade regulation. This fragmentation resulted in conflicting state policies and an inability to respond effectively to crises, ultimately demonstrating the inefficacy of a loose confederation for governing a nation.
  • Evaluate the significance of Shays' Rebellion in prompting changes to the Articles of Confederation.
    • Shays' Rebellion was significant because it exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly regarding economic instability and governmental impotence. The uprising highlighted how ordinary citizens felt abandoned by their government during economic hardship, leading to fears among political leaders about maintaining order and governance. This rebellion galvanized support for revising the Articles and ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention, where a new framework for federal governance was established.
  • Analyze how the limitations of the Articles of Confederation influenced the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
    • The limitations of the Articles of Confederation had a profound influence on the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The framers recognized that a strong central government was necessary to address issues such as economic stability, national defense, and interstate commerce that were inadequately managed under the Articles. As a result, they created a system of checks and balances with separate branches of government and granted Congress broader powers, including taxation and regulation of commerce. This shift aimed to create a more robust framework capable of governing a diverse and growing nation effectively.