Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation were the first written constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, establishing a confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government. They aimed to unify the colonies under a central authority while preserving their independence, but ultimately revealed significant weaknesses that led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation established a unicameral legislature, meaning there was only one house in Congress without an executive or judicial branch.
2. Each state had one vote in Congress regardless of its size or population, leading to disproportionate representation.
3. The federal government under the Articles lacked the power to levy taxes, regulate trade, or enforce laws, which significantly hampered its effectiveness.
4. Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making it extremely difficult to adapt or change the governing framework.
5. The shortcomings of the Articles prompted leaders like George Washington and James Madison to call for a new constitution, leading to the eventual adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1788.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of government established by the Articles of Confederation contribute to its eventual failure?
  • The structure of government under the Articles of Confederation was weak because it created a unicameral legislature with no separate executive or judicial branches. This lack of centralized authority meant that Congress could not effectively enforce laws or implement policies. Furthermore, since each state had equal representation regardless of size and required unanimous consent for amendments, decision-making was hindered, leading to inefficiencies and conflicts among states.
• What were some key weaknesses identified in the Articles of Confederation that prompted the Constitutional Convention?
  • Key weaknesses included the inability of Congress to levy taxes or regulate commerce, which left the federal government financially crippled and unable to respond to crises. The lack of an executive branch meant there was no one to enforce laws or provide leadership. Additionally, without a national judiciary, conflicts between states could not be resolved effectively. These shortcomings highlighted the need for a stronger federal system and ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention.
• Evaluate the impact that the Articles of Confederation had on the development of the U.S. Constitution and modern American governance.
  • The Articles of Confederation played a crucial role in shaping the U.S. Constitution by exposing fundamental flaws in governance that needed addressing. The experience under the Articles highlighted the necessity for a stronger central authority capable of unifying states while respecting their sovereignty. This led to key features in the Constitution such as a bicameral legislature, an executive branch with enforceable powers, and provisions for federal taxation and interstate commerce regulation. Consequently, lessons learned from the Articles greatly influenced modern American governance, establishing a balance between state rights and federal authority.

Related terms

Confederation: A union of sovereign states, where each state retains its independence and authority while delegating limited powers to a central government.

Constitutional Convention:

A gathering that took place in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and to draft the United States Constitution.

Federalism:

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states.