The Articles of Confederation were America's first constitution, ratified in 1781, establishing the United States of America and its government structure. This document outlined the powers of the national legislature, emphasized state sovereignty, and faced challenges in ratification. Despite achievements like the Treaty of Paris and the Northwest Ordinance, its weaknesses, such as the inability to levy taxes, led to the creation of the US Constitution.
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The Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781, establishing the first constitution of the United States
Led by John Dickinson
The committee responsible for drafting the Articles of Confederation was led by John Dickinson
Debates and Issues
The committee faced intense debates and challenges, including state representation, national power, and western land distribution
Maryland's Initial Withholding of Approval
Maryland initially refused to ratify the Articles due to concerns over states with western land claims gaining too much power
Cession of Western Land Claims
Larger states, such as Virginia, ceded their western land claims to the national government, leading to a more equitable distribution of land and resources and allowing Maryland to ratify the Articles
The Articles of Confederation established a unicameral legislature where each state had one vote
Managing Foreign Affairs and War
Congress was granted the power to manage foreign affairs and conduct war under the Articles of Confederation
Promoting Cooperation and Resolving Disputes
The Articles provided mechanisms for promoting cooperation among states and resolving disputes, managing territorial issues, and addressing financial obligations from the Revolutionary War
End of Revolutionary War and Northwest Ordinance
The Articles of Confederation had notable achievements, such as ending the Revolutionary War and passing the Northwest Ordinance, which set a precedent for governing new territories
Limitations and Deficiencies
The Articles had significant weaknesses, including the lack of power to levy taxes or regulate commerce, the requirement for unanimous consent for amendments, and the inability to maintain a standing army or navy
The limitations of the Articles of Confederation led to calls for a stronger federal government
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was held to create a new framework for government
The new Constitution introduced a system of checks and balances and granted the federal government powers such as taxation and regulation of interstate commerce
The Articles of Confederation hold a significant place in American history as the nation's first attempt at a national government
The Articles reflected the values of independence and fear of centralized authority in the new nation, which influenced the development of the U.S. Constitution
Although ultimately replaced, the Articles provided valuable lessons and experiences that shaped the robust federal system that governs the United States today
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Following the ______ in 1776, the document that first named the nation the 'United States of America' was the ______.
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
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Role of Second Continental Congress in American Revolutionary War
Led war efforts, established unity among colonies, managed international relations and military strategy.
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Key challenge in drafting Articles of Confederation
Balancing state sovereignty with national governance, ensuring fair representation, managing western land claims.
