Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a loose alliance of independent states with a weak central government. It provided a framework for governance during and after the American Revolution but ultimately proved inadequate in addressing various challenges, leading to calls for a stronger national government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781 and created a confederation where each state retained its sovereignty and independence.
2. Under the Articles, Congress lacked the power to levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce, or enforce laws, making it difficult for the government to function effectively.
3. The inability to address economic issues and ensure security led to significant unrest among citizens, exemplified by events like Shays' Rebellion.
4. The Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states for amendments, making it nearly impossible to adapt or improve the governing document.
5. The failure of the Articles prompted leaders like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton to convene the Constitutional Convention, ultimately leading to the creation of a stronger federal government.

Review Questions

• How did the limitations of the Articles of Confederation lead to significant challenges for the early United States?
  • The limitations of the Articles of Confederation created significant challenges because they left the central government weak and unable to effectively manage national issues. Without the power to levy taxes or regulate trade, Congress struggled to raise revenue and address economic difficulties. This inefficacy contributed to civil unrest, such as Shays' Rebellion, showcasing that the existing government structure could not maintain order or support citizens' needs.
• Evaluate how events like Shays' Rebellion reflected the weaknesses inherent in the Articles of Confederation and influenced public opinion on governance.
  • Shays' Rebellion was a critical event that illustrated the weaknesses inherent in the Articles of Confederation, as it revealed the government's inability to respond effectively to civil unrest and economic distress. This uprising shifted public opinion towards favoring a stronger central government, as many began to see that a more robust national framework was necessary to maintain order and protect individual rights. The rebellion highlighted urgent calls for reform, ultimately leading to the Constitutional Convention.
• Assess the impact of the Articles of Confederation on the development of American political thought and the eventual drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
  • The Articles of Confederation had a profound impact on American political thought by exposing critical flaws in governance that influenced debates at the Constitutional Convention. The failures regarding tax collection and interstate relations prompted leaders to rethink federalism and consider a system that balanced state sovereignty with federal authority. This dialogue ultimately shaped the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, introducing a stronger central government designed to address the shortcomings experienced under the Articles.

Related terms

Federalism: A system of governance in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, allowing for both national and state governments to operate simultaneously.

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

Constitutional Convention: A gathering held in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the drafting of the current U.S. Constitution.