Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, adopted in 1781, that established a confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government. This framework aimed to unify the states during and after the Revolutionary War but ultimately proved insufficient due to its inability to enforce laws, levy taxes, or regulate commerce, leading to significant challenges in governance and interstate relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation created a loose alliance between the states, where each state retained its independence and sovereignty.
2. Under the Articles, Congress lacked the power to impose taxes, which made it difficult to raise revenue for national expenses.
3. The inability to regulate interstate commerce led to economic disputes among states and hindered trade.
4. Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all 13 states, making it nearly impossible to address any shortcomings.
5. The weaknesses of the Articles ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where delegates aimed to create a stronger federal government.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of the Articles of Confederation reflect the colonists' fears of a strong central government?
  • The Articles of Confederation were designed to limit the powers of the central government, reflecting colonists' fears stemming from their experiences under British rule. Each state retained significant autonomy, while the national government had limited authority, particularly in taxation and law enforcement. This decentralized structure aimed to prevent tyranny but ultimately resulted in an ineffective governance system that struggled to unite the states and manage national issues.
• Evaluate the impact of Shays' Rebellion on public opinion regarding the Articles of Confederation.
  • Shays' Rebellion significantly shifted public opinion about the Articles of Confederation by exposing its weaknesses in handling domestic unrest. The uprising highlighted the federal government's inability to respond effectively to economic grievances and maintain order, leading many to call for reform. This rebellion served as a catalyst for discussions about strengthening the national government, ultimately paving the way for the Constitutional Convention.
• Critically analyze how the limitations of the Articles of Confederation influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
  • The limitations faced under the Articles of Confederation, such as lack of taxing authority and ineffective regulation of commerce, directly influenced delegates at the Constitutional Convention to draft a new framework that established a stronger federal government. Recognizing that a more centralized authority was necessary for effective governance and economic stability, they implemented mechanisms such as bicameral legislature and executive power. This shift not only addressed previous inadequacies but also introduced checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Related terms

Confederation: A political system where a group of states or regions retain ultimate authority while delegating limited powers to a central government.

Shays' Rebellion: An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and the lack of governmental response, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

U.S. Constitution:

The foundational legal document of the United States, created in 1787, which replaced the Articles of Confederation and established a stronger federal government with a system of checks and balances.