key term - Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a loose alliance of independent states and a weak central government. This framework aimed to preserve state sovereignty while managing collective affairs, but ultimately proved insufficient to address the growing challenges facing the new nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation created a unicameral legislature, meaning there was only one legislative body without an executive or judicial branch.
2. Under the Articles, Congress lacked the power to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce, which hindered its ability to generate revenue and maintain order.
3. The document emphasized state sovereignty, resulting in a weak central government that struggled to enforce laws and coordinate efforts among states.
4. The lack of a strong central authority contributed to various problems, including economic instability and disputes between states over borders and trade.
5. The Articles were ultimately replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789 due to their inability to effectively govern and respond to national issues.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of government under the Articles of Confederation limit its effectiveness?
  • The government established by the Articles of Confederation was limited due to its unicameral legislature, which lacked both an executive and judicial branch. This absence meant that there was no enforcement mechanism for laws passed by Congress, leading to ineffective governance. Additionally, Congress could not impose taxes or regulate interstate commerce, making it difficult to address economic challenges or conflicts between states.
• Evaluate how Shays' Rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and influenced future governance in the U.S.
  • Shays' Rebellion illustrated the significant weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by showcasing how discontent among citizens could lead to violent uprisings when the government failed to address economic grievances. The rebellion highlighted the inability of Congress to respond effectively, as it lacked both financial resources and a standing army. This unrest prompted calls for a stronger national government, ultimately leading to the Constitutional Convention and the creation of a new framework with the U.S. Constitution.
• Analyze how the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution reflects changing attitudes towards federalism and state power.
  • The transition from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution represents a significant shift in attitudes towards federalism and state power. Initially, there was a strong emphasis on state sovereignty and fear of a powerful central government, which led to the creation of an ineffective system under the Articles. However, widespread issues such as economic instability and civil unrest prompted leaders to reconsider this approach. The resulting Constitution established a stronger federal government with enumerated powers while still allowing for state authority through a system of checks and balances, reflecting a more balanced perspective on governance.

Related terms

Shays' Rebellion:

A violent uprising in 1786-1787 led by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices and the lack of governmental response, 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, like states, which became a key feature in the U.S. Constitution after the Articles.

Constitutional Convention:

A gathering in 1787 in Philadelphia where delegates convened to address the failures of the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.