Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws. Instead, each state had its own laws and regulations, which often conflicted with each other. This led to a lack of unity among the states, and the federal government was unable to solve problems that affected the entire country.
The United States Articles of Confederation, drafted in 1777, were the country’s first constitution. A committee appointed by the Continental Congress, which included John Dickinson, Richard Henry Lee, and Samuel Adams, among others wrote the Articles.
During the Revolutionary War, the founders wrote the Articles to unify the thirteen colonies into a single nation. The Articles established a confederation of independent states, with a weak central government that had limited power. The Continental Congress recognized the need for a framework to govern the newly independent states, which led to the drafting of the Articles of Confederation.
Sections
The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation became apparent during Shays’ Rebellion in 1786, when a group of farmers in Massachusetts revolted against high taxes and debt. After the federal government failed to stop the rebellion, people realized that a stronger central government was necessary to maintain order and stability.
1. The Stile of this Confederacy shall be ‘The United States of America.’
This section establishes the official name of the country.
2. Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.
This section ensures that the individual states have a large amount of power and that the central government only has powers expressly delegated to it.
3. The said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare.
This section outlines the purpose of the Confederation, which is to provide for the common defense and welfare of the states.
4. The better to secure and perpetuate mutual friendship and intercourse among the people of the different States in this Union, the free inhabitants of each of these States, paupers, vagabonds, and fugitives from justice excepted, shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of free citizens in the several States.
This section establishes that citizens of each state have the same rights and privileges as citizens of other states.
5. For the most convenient management of the general interests of the United States, delegates shall be annually appointed in such manner as the legislatures of each State shall direct, to meet in Congress on the first Monday in November, in every year, with a power reserved to each State to recall its delegates, or any of them, at any time within the year, and to send others in their stead for the remainder of the year.
This section outlines structure of Congress, and how delegates would be appointed.
6. No State shall be represented in Congress by less than two, nor more than seven members; and no person shall be capable of being a delegate for more than three years in any term of six years.
This section establishes the number of delegates each state can send to Congress and the term limits for delegates.
7. In determining questions in the United States in Congress assembled, each State shall have one vote.
This section outlines the voting system in Congress, where each state has one vote.
8. Freedom of speech and debate in Congress shall not be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of Congress, and the members of Congress shall be protected in their persons from arrests and imprisonments, during the time of their going to and from, and attendance on Congress, except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace.
This section establishes certain protections for members of Congress, such as freedom of speech and protection from arrest while attending Congress.
9. No State shall, without the consent of the United States in Congress assembled, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection laws, and the net produce of all duties and imposts laid by any State on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of the Congress.
This section outlines the power of Congress to regulate trade between the states and with foreign countries.
10. No State shall engage in any war without the consent of the United States in Congress assembled, unless such State be actually invaded by enemies, or shall have received certain advice of a resolution being formed by some nation of Indians.
Constitutional Convention
In response, the Constitutional Convention was held in 1787 to draft a new constitution that would create a stronger federal government. The new constitution, which was ratified in 1788, established a federal system with a balance of powers between the federal government and the states.
The Articles of Confederation served as an important stepping stone in the history of the United States. The country needed a stronger central government and the new constitution incorporated valuable lessons from the Articles. The Articles failed to provide a stable and effective government. They paved the way for the creation of a stronger federal government that has helped guide the United States through centuries of growth and change.
In conclusion, the Articles of Confederation were an important part of American history, providing a foundation for the creation of the United States as a nation. However, the Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation as a more effective system of government due to the Article’s overall weaknesses. Explore how the Constitution was ratified.