Articles of Confederation Overview

Study Notes

Articles of Confederation: Key Features and Shortcomings

The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the newly formed United States of America, adopted in 1777 and ratified in 1781.
It established a "league of friendship" among the thirteen states, retaining significant sovereignty for each state.
The central government under the Articles was intentionally weak, reflecting a fear of centralized power after British rule.
Key feature: States retained significant autonomy and power, limiting the authority of the central government.
The central government lacked the power to tax directly; reliance on state contributions proved problematic.
This led to significant financial hardship for the new nation.

Structure of the Government

The Articles established a unicameral legislature (Congress) as the central governing body.
Each state had one vote in Congress, regardless of population size or wealth.
There was no executive or judicial branch in the current sense.
The central government lacked the power to regulate commerce among the states; this lack of regulation frequently led to disputes and trade wars amongst states.

Key Weaknesses and Failures

The central government lacked the power to effectively enforce laws and treaties.
States often disregarded national laws and treaties, undermining the authority of the central government.
The absence of a strong executive rendered the central government unable to promptly address national crises.
Inability to levy taxes hampered Congress' ability to fund the national debt; a lack of funding for essential services like an army or a functioning court system resulted.
There was no national currency, which led to economic instability and issues in trade relations among states.
Lack of a national court system resulted in disagreements over legal interpretations and enforcement.
Amendment processes were lengthy and cumbersome, making changes to the Articles difficult.

Shays' Rebellion and the Need for Change

Shays' Rebellion, an armed uprising of farmers in Massachusetts, highlighted the fundamental weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
The inability of the central government to respond effectively to the rebellion underscored the urgent need for a stronger national government.
The incident exposed the inability of the existing system to maintain order and stability, ultimately spurring the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Impact of the Articles of Confederation

The experience under the Articles of Confederation demonstrated the necessity of a more centralized and powerful national government.
The Articles played a crucial role in shaping the debate and laying the groundwork for the eventual adoption of the United States Constitution, emphasizing a more unified and functional system
Though flawed, its experiences were invaluable in laying the foundation for the new nation's future governance.
The Articles ultimately failed to create a stable and effective government, paving the way for a fundamental shift in the structure of the US government.

Description

Explore the key features and shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the United States. This quiz covers the structure of government it established and the challenges it faced. Test your understanding of its impact on U.S. history.