Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government. This framework aimed to unify the states during the Revolutionary War but ultimately revealed significant flaws in governance, leading to calls for a stronger federal system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles created a unicameral legislature with no executive or judicial branches, which limited its ability to enforce laws or collect taxes.
2. Each state had one vote regardless of size, making it difficult to achieve consensus on important issues.
3. The national government could not regulate interstate commerce or foreign trade, leading to economic turmoil among states.
4. Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making it nearly impossible to enact changes.
5. The weaknesses of the Articles ultimately prompted the Constitutional Convention, where leaders sought a stronger federal government to address these issues.

Review Questions

• What were some of the key features and structures established by the Articles of Confederation, and how did they contribute to its weaknesses?
  • The Articles of Confederation established a unicameral legislature with no separate executive or judicial branches, meaning there was no strong central authority to enforce laws or collect taxes. Each state had equal representation with one vote, which complicated decision-making and hindered effective governance. These features created a weak national government that struggled to address issues such as trade regulation and interstate disputes, leading to economic instability and dissatisfaction among states.
• Analyze how events like Shays' Rebellion illustrated the limitations of the Articles of Confederation and spurred changes in American governance.
  • Shays' Rebellion was a significant event that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The uprising, fueled by farmers' frustration over economic hardships and lack of governmental support, demonstrated that the national government could not maintain order or respond effectively to civil unrest. This failure raised alarm among leaders and citizens alike, revealing the urgent need for a stronger federal government capable of addressing both economic and social issues, ultimately leading to the Constitutional Convention.
• Evaluate the legacy of the Articles of Confederation in shaping American constitutional development and its impact on federalism.
  • The legacy of the Articles of Confederation is significant in understanding American constitutional development. While it provided a framework for unity during a critical time, its failures prompted a reevaluation of governance structures in America. The weaknesses exposed by the Articles directly influenced the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which introduced a system of checks and balances among three branches of government. This shift laid the groundwork for federalism as we know it today, establishing a stronger central authority while still recognizing states' rights.

Related terms

Shays' Rebellion: An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices and the inability of the state to address their grievances, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Northwest Ordinance: A law passed in 1787 that established a method for admitting new states to the Union from the Northwest Territory, demonstrating one of the few successes of the Articles.

Constitutional Convention: The gathering in 1787 where delegates met to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.