The Articles refer to the Articles of Confederation, which was the first written constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781. This document established a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, reflecting the desire for independence and fear of centralized authority. The Articles created a framework for cooperation among the states but ultimately proved inadequate for addressing economic and political challenges facing the new nation.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781 and served as the governing document until 1789, when the U.S. Constitution took effect.
Under the Articles, Congress had limited powers and could not levy taxes or regulate commerce, which led to financial instability.
Each state retained its sovereignty and had one vote in Congress, regardless of its size or population, making it difficult to pass legislation.
The lack of a strong executive branch meant that there was no authority to enforce laws or policies effectively.
The weaknesses of the Articles became apparent during events like Shays' Rebellion, prompting calls for a stronger federal government.
Review Questions
How did the structure of the Articles of Confederation reflect the American colonies' experience with British rule?
The Articles of Confederation were designed to create a weak central government and preserve state sovereignty, mirroring the American colonies' struggle against British tyranny. The Founding Fathers feared that a strong central authority could lead to oppression similar to what they experienced under British rule. Therefore, they emphasized state rights and limited federal powers, resulting in a government that struggled to address national issues effectively.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation in addressing economic challenges faced by post-Revolution America.
The Articles of Confederation were largely ineffective in addressing economic challenges because they did not grant Congress the power to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce. This led to financial disarray, as the national government relied on voluntary contributions from states, which were often insufficient. Without a mechanism to create revenue or manage trade, states began imposing tariffs on each other, further complicating economic relations and leading to instability.
Assess how Shays' Rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and contributed to the push for a new Constitution.
Shays' Rebellion showcased the critical weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by illustrating how an ineffective central government could respond poorly to civil unrest. The uprising highlighted the inability of Congress to raise an army or intervene effectively against domestic violence. As a result, influential leaders recognized that such instability threatened the nation's future, fueling discussions that ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention and the creation of a stronger federal system.
An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response, highlighting weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.
The gathering in 1787 that led to the drafting of the United States Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation due to their ineffectiveness.