The Articles of Confederation were the first written plan of government for the United States after independence from Britain. They created a loose union of 13 states that worked together mainly for defense, diplomacy, and western lands. This mattered because the new nation needed cooperation, but many Americans feared a central government that might become too powerful.
The result was a fragile system often described as a league of friendship among states.
Under the Articles, Congress could make requests and manage some national issues, but it could not tax, regulate trade, or enforce many of its decisions. Each state kept most of the power, and important national actions required broad agreement. Problems such as unpaid war debts, trade disputes, weak foreign policy, and Shays' Rebellion showed that the system was not strong enough.
These weaknesses led leaders to meet in 1787 and write the U.S. Constitution, which created a stronger federal government.
Key Facts
- The Articles of Confederation were approved by the states in 1781 and replaced in 1789.
- The national government had one branch, a Congress, with no separate president or national court system.
- Each state had one vote in Congress, regardless of population or size.
- Congress could request money from states, but it could not directly tax citizens.
- Major laws required approval from 9 of 13 states, and amendments required approval from all 13 states.
- The Constitution replaced the Articles by creating three branches and giving the federal government stronger powers.
Vocabulary
- Articles of Confederation
- The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak national government and left most power with the states.
- Confederation
- A political system in which independent states join together for common goals while keeping most of their own authority.
- Sovereignty
- The power of a government or state to rule itself and make its own decisions.
- Federal Government
- The national government that has authority over the entire country.
- Ratification
- The official approval of a document, law, or agreement by the required voters or governments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Calling the Articles a strong national government is wrong because they gave most power to the states and left Congress with limited authority.
- Assuming Congress could tax citizens is wrong because Congress could only ask the states for money, and states could refuse or pay too little.
- Forgetting the amendment rule is wrong because changing the Articles required all 13 states to agree, which made reform extremely difficult.
- Thinking the Constitution was written immediately after independence is wrong because the Articles governed from 1781 until the Constitution took effect in 1789.
Practice Questions
- 1 Under the Articles, each state had 1 vote in Congress. If 9 of 13 states were needed to pass a major law, what fraction and percentage of states had to agree?
- 2 An amendment required approval from all 13 states. If 12 states approved and 1 state refused, how many more approvals were needed, and would the amendment pass?
- 3 Explain why a government that cannot tax, regulate trade, or enforce its laws would have trouble solving national problems.