Articles of Confederation Overview

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.