Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, created in 1781, which established a loose alliance of sovereign states and a weak central government. This framework was intended to unify the thirteen original colonies during and after the American Revolution, but ultimately proved ineffective due to its limited powers, which hindered the government's ability to act decisively on national issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation established a unicameral legislature where each state had one vote, regardless of size or population, which contributed to unequal representation.
2. Under the Articles, the central government lacked the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws, leading to financial difficulties and unrest.
3. The lack of a national executive or judiciary under the Articles meant there was no centralized leadership or means to resolve disputes between states.
4. The inability to effectively deal with interstate conflicts and economic problems ultimately led to calls for a stronger federal government.
5. The Articles were replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789 after it became clear that a more robust framework was necessary for effective governance.

Review Questions

• How did the Articles of Confederation reflect the colonists' fears of centralized authority after their experience with British rule?
  • The Articles of Confederation were designed to ensure that power remained decentralized, reflecting the colonists' fears of a strong central authority similar to that which they experienced under British rule. By creating a weak national government with limited powers, such as the inability to levy taxes or regulate trade, the Articles aimed to protect state sovereignty and prevent tyranny. However, this approach ultimately hindered effective governance and demonstrated the challenges of uniting diverse states under a common framework.
• Evaluate how events like Shays' Rebellion exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and contributed to discussions about reforming the government.
  • Shays' Rebellion was a critical event that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by demonstrating how the federal government could not maintain order or address economic unrest. The uprising showed that without a strong central authority to intervene, states could descend into chaos, leading to further calls for reform. This rebellion served as a wake-up call for leaders who realized that a more effective governance structure was necessary, ultimately culminating in the Constitutional Convention.
• Analyze the significance of the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution in shaping American governance.
  • The transition from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution marked a pivotal moment in American governance as it represented a shift from a loose confederation of states to a stronger federal system. The Constitution established a balanced government with separate branches that allowed for checks and balances, addressing many of the inefficiencies and power struggles seen under the Articles. This change not only strengthened national unity but also laid down foundational principles such as federalism and republicanism that would guide future governance in America.

Related terms

Continental Congress: The legislative assembly formed by representatives from the thirteen colonies that governed during the American Revolution and created the Articles of Confederation.

Shays' Rebellion: An armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and the inability of the government under the Articles to address their grievances.

Constitutional Convention:

The 1787 gathering in Philadelphia where delegates met to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.