The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation provided the United States with an effective government from 1781 to 1789. They were a model of what a loose Confederation should be. The Articles succeeded in maintaining the union of the thirteen states as well as clearly outlining the general powers of the centralized government. Yet, despite these positive deeds there were many setbacks. One primary setback was the feeble government designed to prevent any future abuse of power. However, with all things considered the Constitution that now shapes modern America would have never been formed without first evolving from the flawed Articles of Confederation.

The Articles of Confederation were drafted in 1776 by a congress appointed committee even before America declared independence. They became effective on March 1, 1781 when the last of the thirteen states, Maryland, finally ratified the constitution. The Articles were the first written constitution of the Republic of the United States. Thomas Jefferson hailed the Articles as the best one “existing or ever did exist.”

The accomplishments of the Articles that helped provide the United States with a basis for a foundation of government include the development of Congress. The Congress was the chief agency of government comprised of delegates or representatives from each state. The Congress was responsible for conducting foreign affairs, declaring war and peace, maintaining an army and navy as well as establishing a postal service. The Congress took part in significant affairs of the country during the last two years of the Revolution, helped to negotiate treaty of Paris in 1782 and produced two monumental pieces of legislation.

The first momentous legislation passed by the Congress was The Land Ordinance of 1785. Fortunate states such as Virginia and New York owned much acreage in the Old Northwest on the basis of earlier charter grants while the smaller, land hungry states cried injustice. As a result, Congress devised a plan in which the states were to cede their western territory for the benefit of the “common good.” ( Doc. E ) The land was sold and the proceeds were used for the benefit of public schools as well as to pay off national debt.

The second noteworthy legislation passed by Congress was the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. This act concerned the governing of the Old Northwest territory. The Northwestern “colonies” would be subordinate to the federal government and when their population reached sixty thousand they would be admitted into the Union by Congress with all the rights and privileges of its thirteen other members. Both the Land Ordinance and Northwest Ordinance proved to be so successful that their basis principles were ultimately carried over to other frontier areas.

However successful the Articles were, most of its accomplishments were outweighed by its weaknesses. Created during the Revolutionary War, the Articles reflected the weariness and the vigilance of the Americans due to the strong central government like that of Britain. The American people were fearful of a government that would ignore individual needs and the abuses that resulted from a strong centralized government. (Doc. G ) As a result, the Articles purposely established a large share of power to the individual states. Also, due to the fear of abuse of power the Articles denied Congress power to collect tax but was able to plead the states to contribute on a voluntary basis.( Doc. A ) In addition the Congress was not allowed power over interstate and foreign commerce.

The Continental Congress had been careful to give the states as much independence as possible. There were no executive or judicial branches and therefore no federal courts. The states were so sovereign that the federal laws were enforced by state courts and the central government could not even act directly upon the people. The weaknesses of the Articles further divided the union and as a result the government was not able to properly handle international crises. In 1784 the Mississippi port, controlled by Spain, was closed off to American commerce. This act not only threatened the west’s ability to grow productive but also the budding American economy. John Jay’s negotiations with Spain’s Minister Diego de Gardoqui proved to be fruitless due in part because of the weaknesses and constraints that bound him as a government official. ( Doc. F ) Also, foreign relations with Britain were still strained during the years of the Articles. Britain declined to make a commercial treaty or repeal the ancient Navigation Laws. Even when trade between America and Britain occurred as United States population increased, meaning more goods, the estimated market value for American exports to great Britain still remained the same. ( Doc. B ) Although America’s grievances and demands presented to Britain were all on fair grounds the American government still could not even control its own commerce. ( Doc. D ) These crises along with Shay’s rebellion, sparked the need for a stronger constitution.

By the late 18th century it was clear that the United States would not prosper under the Articles of Confederation. George Washington described the situation under the Articles as “a half-starved limping government, that appears to be always moving upon crutches and tottering at every step.” The American people under the Articles of Confederation grew out of the revolutionary spirit that detested any superior government. Although the call for a new constitution would be opposed by some, the need for an even stronger one was agreed on by all.

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