Overview
This lecture covers the main features and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, highlighting how its structure led to debates about increasing federal power in early U.S. government.
Origins and Structure of the Articles of Confederation
- The Articles of Confederation served as the first U.S. constitution after independence from Britain.
- Each state had its own constitution, resulting in varied government systems across the 13 states.
- A central government was created primarily for international relations like treaties and trade.
- The Articles established a confederation where states held most of the power and the federal government was deliberately weak.
- There was only one branch of federal government: a unicameral Congress; no executive or judicial branches existed.
Key Weaknesses of the Articles
- Amendments to the Articles required unanimous approval from all 13 states, making change almost impossible.
- Congress lacked the power to collect taxes and could only request funds from the states.
- The federal government struggled to pay debts, including money owed to Revolutionary War veterans.
- Efforts to grant Congress tariff-raising power failed because not all states agreed.
- There was no national currency, so each state issued its own money, causing economic confusion.
- Congress could not raise a national army, relying instead on state militias.
Impact of Weaknesses: Shays’ Rebellion
- Economic problems and unpaid soldiers led to widespread debt and unrest, especially among farmers.
- Daniel Shays led a rebellion of indebted farmers in Massachusetts, highlighting the government's inability to maintain order.
- The federal government could not intervene because there was no president or standing national army.
- The rebellion exposed the Articles’ inability to address national crises and maintain stability.
Move Toward a Stronger Government
- Shays’ Rebellion and broader economic troubles convinced leaders of the need for a stronger federal government.
- These weaknesses set the stage for the development of a new U.S. Constitution.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Articles of Confederation — The first constitution of the United States, emphasizing strong state powers and a weak central government.
- Unicameral Congress — A single-chamber legislative body, the only branch under the Articles.
- Shays’ Rebellion — 1786-87 armed uprising by Massachusetts farmers protesting debt and taxes, revealing federal weaknesses.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the full text of the Articles of Confederation for exam preparation.
- Be prepared to compare the Articles with the later U.S. Constitution in future lessons.