The Articles

Definition

The Articles refers to the Articles of Confederation, which was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781. It established a weak central government that lacked the power to tax and regulate commerce, leading to various economic and political issues. This framework aimed to preserve the independence and sovereignty of the states, but ultimately proved ineffective in addressing the needs of a growing nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation established a unicameral legislature with each state having one vote, regardless of size or population.
2. Under the Articles, Congress could not levy taxes or regulate interstate trade, which created significant economic difficulties for the new nation.
3. The lack of an executive branch meant that there was no enforcement mechanism for laws passed by Congress.
4. Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making it extremely difficult to address any issues or make changes.
5. The weaknesses of the Articles were highlighted by events like Shays' Rebellion, which demonstrated the inability of the federal government to respond effectively to domestic unrest.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of government under the Articles of Confederation impact its effectiveness in governing the new nation?
  • The structure under the Articles created a weak central government that primarily relied on voluntary compliance from states. With no executive branch to enforce laws and limited powers for Congress, such as the inability to tax or regulate trade, governance was largely ineffective. This lack of authority led to economic instability and unrest, highlighting major flaws in this early framework for national governance.
• What were some specific challenges faced by Congress under the Articles of Confederation, and how did these challenges lead to calls for a stronger federal government?
  • Congress faced numerous challenges under the Articles, including financial difficulties due to its inability to tax and widespread economic turmoil. Additionally, states often competed against each other in trade and taxation policies, leading to interstate conflict. These issues prompted leaders like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison to advocate for a stronger federal government, ultimately resulting in the Constitutional Convention where a new constitution was drafted.
• Evaluate how Shays' Rebellion influenced public perception of the Articles of Confederation and contributed to the movement for a new constitution.
  • Shays' Rebellion dramatically highlighted the weaknesses inherent in the Articles of Confederation by showcasing how powerless Congress was to address civil unrest or support struggling citizens. The rebellion raised fears among many elites about instability and disorder, influencing public perception by demonstrating that a stronger federal government was necessary for maintaining order and ensuring economic stability. This discontent among various factions ultimately fueled support for convening a Constitutional Convention, where leaders sought to create a more robust governing framework.

Related terms

Confederation:

A union of sovereign states, where each state retains its independence and authority while delegating certain powers to a central government.

Shays' Rebellion:

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by Daniel Shays, protesting economic injustices and the lack of governmental response under the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention:

A gathering held in 1787 in Philadelphia where delegates drafted a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation, leading to the creation of the current U.S. Constitution.