Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation was the first governing document of the United States, ratified in 1781, establishing a loose confederation of states and a weak central government. This framework was created to provide a unified structure during the American Revolution but ultimately revealed significant weaknesses, particularly in the areas of taxation and enforcement, leading to calls for a stronger federal system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation created a unicameral legislature with each state having one vote, regardless of size or population.
2. Under the Articles, Congress lacked the power to levy taxes or regulate commerce, leading to financial instability and trade issues among the states.
3. The requirement for unanimous consent from all thirteen states to amend the Articles made it nearly impossible to correct its weaknesses.
4. The lack of an executive branch under the Articles meant there was no enforcement mechanism for laws or agreements made by Congress.
5. The shortcomings of the Articles highlighted the need for a stronger federal government, leading directly to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of government under the Articles of Confederation contribute to its weaknesses?
  • The Articles of Confederation established a government with a unicameral legislature and no executive branch, resulting in a weak central authority. Each state had one vote, which did not reflect population differences and made it difficult to reach consensus on important issues. The inability to levy taxes or regulate trade led to economic disarray, as Congress could not compel states to contribute financially or adhere to national agreements.
• What were the main events that highlighted the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and prompted calls for a new constitution?
  • Shays' Rebellion is a key event that exposed the weaknesses of the Articles. It demonstrated that without a strong central government, local uprisings could threaten stability. Other issues included states imposing tariffs on each other and Congress’s inability to raise funds for national defense. These events made clear that a new constitution was necessary to create a more effective federal system.
• Evaluate the significance of the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution in shaping American governance.
  • The shift from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution marked a pivotal moment in American governance, transforming it from a loose confederation into a strong federal system with checks and balances. This transition allowed for an executive branch capable of enforcing laws and addressing economic issues effectively. The Constitution also provided mechanisms for amending its provisions, ensuring adaptability over time. Ultimately, this shift laid the foundation for modern American democracy and governance.

Related terms

Confederation: A union of sovereign groups or states that, by treaty, agree to work together for common purposes while maintaining their individual sovereignty.

Shays' Rebellion: An armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by farmers in western Massachusetts protesting against economic injustices and the inability of the federal government under the Articles to address these issues.

Constitutional Convention: A meeting held in 1787 where delegates from the states gathered to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, ultimately resulting in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.