Speakers: Kim and Leah (US government and politics fellow at KH Academy)
Topic: Discussion on the Articles of Confederation as the first constitution of the United States.
Background of the Articles of Confederation
Adoption: Created in 1777 during the American Revolution.
Purpose: Establish a government vastly different from the monarchy they were opposing.
Type of Government: Limited government to avoid past abuses.
Structure of Government under the Articles
Central Government: Extremely small, with no executive or judicial branches.
Legislature: Consisted solely of Congress.
All 13 states had one representative.
Amendments: Required unanimous consent from all 13 states.
Passing Laws: Required agreement from 9 out of 13 states.
Achievements of the Articles
Unity: United the 13 colonies under one government.
Treaty of Paris (1783): Successfully ended the Revolutionary War with Britain.
Northwest Ordinance of 1787: Established methods for western expansion and land management.
Challenges and Limitations
Amendment Difficulties: Hard to get unanimous consent leading to governance challenges.
State Representation: Equal representation posed issues for large consensus requirements.
Transition to a New Constitution
Shay’s Rebellion: A critical event leading to the reconsideration of the Articles.
Context: Post-war economic struggles and unpaid military dues leading to farmer revolts.
Government Limitations: No power to levy taxes, no national military to suppress rebellion.
Founding Fathers' Response:
Key figures (George Washington, Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison) recognized the need for change.
Constitutional Convention (1787): Convened to draft a new, stronger constitution.
Conclusion
Outcome: The inadequacy of the Articles led to the drafting of the current United States Constitution, prompting a shift towards a stronger federal government.