The Articles of Confederation were the first written constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a loose confederation of states and a weak central government. This document aimed to unify the thirteen original states during and after the American Revolution but ultimately revealed significant weaknesses, such as the lack of federal authority to tax and regulate commerce.
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The Articles established a unicameral legislature where each state had one vote, regardless of size or population, leading to an imbalance in representation.
There was no executive branch under the Articles, meaning there was no president or national leadership to enforce laws or govern effectively.
The inability of Congress to levy taxes led to financial instability and difficulty in paying debts incurred during the American Revolution.
The Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states for any amendments, making it nearly impossible to adapt or improve the framework.
The weaknesses highlighted by Shays' Rebellion and other issues led to calls for a stronger national government, ultimately resulting in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
Review Questions
How did the structure of government under the Articles of Confederation affect its effectiveness?
The Articles created a weak central government with a unicameral legislature that lacked executive authority, making it difficult to enforce laws or implement policies effectively. Each state had equal representation, which did not account for population differences, leading to frustration among larger states. The inability to impose taxes and regulate interstate commerce meant that Congress struggled to generate revenue and maintain economic stability.
Discuss the impact of Shays' Rebellion on public perception of the Articles of Confederation.
Shays' Rebellion had a significant impact on how people viewed the Articles of Confederation by exposing its weaknesses and instilling fear about governmental instability. The uprising highlighted how ineffective the federal government was in addressing economic grievances and maintaining order. This rebellion prompted leaders to reconsider the existing governmental structure and seek a stronger national framework, ultimately leading to the Constitutional Convention.
Evaluate how the limitations of the Articles of Confederation influenced the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
The limitations of the Articles underscored the need for a stronger federal government that could effectively manage economic policies, enforce laws, and provide for national defense. As delegates gathered for the Constitutional Convention, they aimed to address these specific shortcomings by creating a system that allowed for greater federal authority while balancing power among states. The resulting Constitution established an executive branch, provided mechanisms for taxation and regulation, and included processes for amendments that allowed for adaptability over time.
Related terms
Shays' Rebellion: An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Constitutional Convention: A gathering in 1787 where delegates from the states convened to address the problems with the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
Confederation: A union of sovereign groups or states, united for purposes of common action, often with a weak central authority; the Articles of Confederation created such a system among the states.