Divided

Definition

In the context of the Articles of Confederation, 'divided' refers to the fragmentation of power among states and the inability of the national government to unify and effectively govern. This division stemmed from a fear of centralized authority, leading to a system that resulted in competing state interests, lack of federal power, and challenges in collective decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation established a loose confederation of states that retained most of their independence and power, leading to conflicts over resources and governance.
2. The inability to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce under the Articles resulted in financial instability and trade disputes between states.
3. Each state had one vote in Congress, regardless of size or population, which meant that larger states felt underrepresented and smaller states wielded disproportionate influence.
4. The lack of a national judiciary or executive branch further complicated governance, as there was no way to enforce laws or unify decision-making across states.
5. Divisions among states often led to failures in responding to crises, such as Shays' Rebellion, which demonstrated the need for a stronger national government.

Review Questions

• How did the division of power among states under the Articles of Confederation impact decision-making at the national level?
  • The division of power among states created significant challenges for national decision-making. Each state acted primarily in its own interest, leading to conflicts and inefficiencies when trying to address issues that required collective action. This fragmentation hindered effective governance and made it difficult to implement policies that could benefit the nation as a whole.
• Evaluate the role that economic factors played in illustrating the divided nature of governance under the Articles of Confederation.
  • Economic factors were crucial in showcasing the divided governance under the Articles. The inability to impose taxes meant that the federal government lacked necessary funds to pay debts or support its functions. States competed against each other for trade advantages, leading to tariffs and barriers that exacerbated economic instability. This economic discord highlighted how division undermined national unity and prosperity.
• Assess the implications of Shays' Rebellion on perceptions of divided governance under the Articles of Confederation and its ultimate reform.
  • Shays' Rebellion served as a turning point in recognizing the detrimental effects of divided governance under the Articles. The uprising revealed how weak central authority struggled to respond effectively to civil unrest, raising fears about public order and stability. As a result, it intensified calls for reform and ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention, where delegates sought to create a stronger federal government capable of unifying and addressing issues across states.

Related terms

Federalism:

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

Shays' Rebellion:

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Confederation:

A union of sovereign groups or states, united for purposes of common action, often under a weak central authority.