The Articles of Confederation Overview vid (Greene)

Study Notes

The First Constitution: The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, adopted by the Continental Congress.
It lasted from 1781 to 1789.
It established a weak central government, with significant power delegated to the individual states.
The central government lacked a president and a national court system.
A supermajority (9 out of 13 states) was needed for most decisions.
The federal government had the power to declare war, conduct foreign affairs, and negotiate treaties.
The central government lacked the power to tax directly, relying on contributions from the states, which hindered its ability to fund essential functions.
Amendments required unanimous consent from all 13 states, effectively preventing changes.
The design was a response to concerns regarding excessive centralized power, echoing the colonists' experiences with the British monarchy.

The Articles of Confederation: Achievements

The Articles guided the US through the Revolutionary War, despite limitations.
It established structure for governing the Northwest Territory, which later became Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Agreements were made with indigenous tribes, like the Treaty of Fort Stanwix (1784) and Treaty of Fort McIntosh (1785), but these often involved coercive land cessions.
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was a significant accomplishment, providing a framework for the incorporation of new territories and states.
This ordinance prohibited the enslavement of people in the new territories, reflecting evolving attitudes towards slavery.
However, the US government's overall relationship with the institution of slavery remained complex.

The Shays Rebellion

In 1786-1787, Massachusetts farmers, facing debt and high taxes, rebelled against the state government.
Led by Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary War veteran, the rebellion involved the closure of courts and demonstrated widespread unrest.
The rebellion was put down by the state militia.
The rebellion frightened the elite, highlighting the fragility of the new government and the potential for popular unrest.
The event was a crucial catalyst for advocating a stronger national government, capable of addressing economic and social challenges effectively.

The Annapolis Convention and the Constitutional Convention

In 1786, the Annapolis Convention convened to discuss amending the Articles of Confederation.
Although only a handful of states were represented, the Annapolis Convention led to a larger meeting's agreement.
Delegates agreed to meet in Philadelphia the following year to address more thorough changes to the government.
The goal was to revise the Articles, ultimately leading to the creation of a new constitution.

The Constitutional Convention:

In 1787, delegates from twelve states convened in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation.
Prominent figures like James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington played key roles.
The delegates, mostly wealthy and educated men, favored a more powerful national government to address the challenges of the fledgling nation.
The aims were creating a stable and just government; safeguarding individual rights within a strong national framework.

Key Issues Discussed at the Convention

Representation in Congress was a major point of contention.
The Virginia Plan advocated for a bicameral legislature based on population.
The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.
The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, created a bicameral legislature: proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
The issue of slavery was deeply divisive.
The Southern states wanted slaves counted for representation but not taxation. The Three-Fifths Compromise was a compromise that counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for both purposes.

Essential Principles Embedded In the Constitution

Separation of Powers: Dividing governmental authority (legislative, executive, judicial) creates a system of checks and balances, aimed at curbing tyranny.
Federalism: Power is divided between the national and state governments, establishing a balance between the two levels of authority.
The Constitution’s goal was to create a system of governance balancing state and national interests while preventing tyranny and safeguarding individual rights.

The Ratification Process

State legislatures and special conventions shaped the ratification process, marked by dispute.
The Federalist Papers (written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay) advocated for a strong national government and helped explain the new Constitution.
Nine out of thirteen states were needed for ratification, thus culminating in a new nation with a stronger central authority.
The process was contentious, mirroring the diverse political opinions and concerns at the time.

The Anti-Federalists

The Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution, fearing its strong national government could infringe on individual liberties.
They viewed a centralized system as a pathway to tyranny and believed in a greater autonomy for the states.
Their concerns about centralized power and potential for tyranny are part of the ongoing discussion about the balance of power.
The Anti-Federalists’ arguments influenced the development and shape of the new government.

The Continuing Debate

Discussions about the balance of power between the national government and state governments persist, as the Constitution is a dynamic document amended throughout history to adapt to changing circumstances.
The Constitution's adaptability highlights its fundamental role in American governance.
The Constitution sets the framework for the legal, political, and social development of the nation.

Description

This quiz explores the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States. Learn about its structure, the powers it granted, and the challenges it faced during its decade-long existence from 1781 to 1789. Test your knowledge on the key aspects of this pivotal document in American history.