Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation were the first written constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a loose alliance of sovereign states and a weak central government. While they played a crucial role in governing the nation during the Revolutionary War, they ultimately highlighted the need for a stronger federal system due to their many limitations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles created a unicameral legislature where each state had one vote, regardless of size or population.
2. The central government under the Articles lacked the power to levy taxes, which made it difficult to raise revenue and pay off war debts.
3. Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making it nearly impossible to address any shortcomings.
4. The inability to regulate interstate commerce led to economic disputes between states and hindered trade.
5. The weaknesses of the Articles were evident during events like Shays' Rebellion, which prompted calls for a stronger federal government and eventually led to the Constitutional Convention.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of government under the Articles of Confederation impact decision-making during the Revolutionary War?
  • The structure of government under the Articles created a weak central authority with limited powers, relying heavily on state cooperation. This decentralized approach often hindered timely decision-making and resource allocation during critical moments of the Revolutionary War. For instance, while states were responsible for contributing troops and supplies, many failed to meet their commitments, resulting in shortages that hampered military efforts against Britain.
• Evaluate how events such as Shays' Rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and fueled calls for reform.
  • Shays' Rebellion was a significant event that exposed the critical weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The uprising highlighted the federal government's inability to maintain order or respond effectively to civil unrest due to its lack of power to raise an army or levy taxes. This rebellion stirred public concern about anarchy and instability, leading many leaders to advocate for a stronger central government capable of addressing such crises.
• Assess the impact of the Articles of Confederation on the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and how it shaped debates among the Founding Fathers.
  • The Articles of Confederation directly influenced the drafting of the U.S. Constitution by showcasing what needed improvement in governance. The failures associated with a weak federal system led to intense debates among the Founding Fathers about balancing state sovereignty with effective national authority. As they convened at the Constitutional Convention, they aimed to create a more robust framework that would enable a stronger central government while still respecting state rights, ultimately resulting in a federal system grounded in checks and balances.

Related terms

Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, allowing for a balance of power and local governance.

Continental Congress: A series of meetings held by delegates from the thirteen colonies, which served as the national government during the American Revolution and led to the creation of the Articles of Confederation.

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