Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a national government with limited powers and a focus on state sovereignty. The document aimed to unify the thirteen states under a central authority but ultimately highlighted the weaknesses in governance that led to its replacement by the U.S. Constitution in 1789.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles established a unicameral legislature with each state having one vote, regardless of its population or size.
2. There was no executive branch or federal judiciary under the Articles, leading to difficulties in enforcing laws and resolving disputes.
3. Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making it nearly impossible to adapt to changing needs.
4. The national government under the Articles could not levy taxes or regulate commerce, resulting in financial instability and trade issues among states.
5. The shortcomings of the Articles were evident in events like Shays' Rebellion, which underscored the need for a stronger federal government.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of government under the Articles of Confederation contribute to its inability to effectively govern the newly independent states?
  • The structure under the Articles created a weak central government with no executive branch and no federal judiciary. This lack of centralized authority meant that there were significant challenges in enforcing laws and resolving disputes among states. The unicameral legislature gave equal representation to each state regardless of size or population, which further complicated decision-making and governance, leading to ineffectiveness in addressing pressing national issues.
• What were some key events that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, and how did these events influence the decision to draft a new constitution?
  • Key events such as Shays' Rebellion illustrated the inadequacies of the Articles by showcasing how economic distress and lack of governmental support could lead to civil unrest. These incidents prompted leaders to recognize that a more robust federal government was necessary to maintain order and stability. The inability to raise taxes or regulate trade underlined the urgent need for reform, ultimately leading to the Constitutional Convention where delegates sought to create a stronger framework for governance.
• Evaluate the impact of the Articles of Confederation on the development of American political thought and the subsequent formation of the U.S. Constitution.
  • The Articles of Confederation significantly influenced American political thought by demonstrating the challenges posed by extreme state sovereignty and inadequate federal power. As debates unfolded during the Constitutional Convention, many framers acknowledged that while they sought to limit federal authority, a functional national government was essential for economic stability and national defense. This realization shaped discussions around checks and balances, representation, and federalism in crafting the U.S. Constitution, reflecting a balance between state rights and a strong central authority.

Related terms

Confederation: A union of sovereign groups or states, united for purposes of common action, often characterized by a weak central authority.

Shays' Rebellion:

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by Daniel Shays, protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response, which revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention: A gathering held in 1787 where delegates from the states convened to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately drafted the U.S. Constitution.