Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a weak central government that lacked the power to tax or regulate trade. This framework aimed to unify the thirteen states but ultimately proved ineffective in addressing economic and political challenges, leading to its replacement by the Constitution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation were created in response to fears of a strong centralized government, reflecting the colonies' experiences under British rule.
2. Under the Articles, Congress could not levy taxes or regulate commerce, leading to significant financial difficulties and trade disputes among states.
3. Each state had one vote in Congress regardless of its size or population, which created issues with representation and decision-making.
4. The lack of a strong executive branch or national judiciary left the federal government unable to enforce laws or resolve disputes effectively.
5. The Articles were eventually replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789 due to their failure to create a stable and functional national government.

Review Questions

• How did the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation lead to events like Shays' Rebellion?
  • The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly the lack of federal authority to tax and enforce laws, contributed directly to events like Shays' Rebellion. Farmers faced economic hardships due to high taxes and debt but had no recourse through a central government that could assist them. As frustrations grew over state policies that favored creditors over debtors, many took up arms in protest, showcasing how ineffective governance under the Articles could lead to civil unrest.
• Evaluate the significance of the Constitutional Convention in addressing the failures of the Articles of Confederation.
  • The Constitutional Convention was pivotal in addressing the failures of the Articles of Confederation as it brought together delegates who recognized that a stronger national government was necessary. Discussions led to compromises that shaped the new Constitution, including a bicameral legislature and an executive branch with powers to tax and regulate trade. This shift demonstrated a consensus that while fears of tyranny persisted, effective governance required a balance between state and federal powers.
• Assess how the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution reflected changing attitudes toward governance in early America.
  • The transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution reflected a significant shift in attitudes toward governance as Americans moved from prioritizing state sovereignty and fear of central authority to embracing a more balanced federal system. The failures of the Articles made it clear that a unified approach was necessary for economic stability and national defense. This evolution demonstrated an emerging belief that while individual freedoms were important, a strong central government was essential for maintaining order and promoting collective interests in a growing nation.

Related terms

Shays' Rebellion:

A series of protests led by farmers in 1786-1787 against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgments for debt, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention:

The gathering in 1787 where delegates from twelve states convened to address the problems of the weak central government under the Articles, ultimately leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

Federalism:

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and individual states, which was a key principle debated during the transition from the Articles to the Constitution.