Articles of Confederation

Articles of Confederation

Articles of Confederation

First governing document of the United States.

Republicanism

Democracy where elected representatives make laws.

Freedom of Religion

Right to practice any religion freely.

Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom

1779 law ensuring religious liberty in Virginia.

Loose Confederation

Weak alliance where states retain most power.

Unanimous Vote Requirement

All 13 states must agree to amend articles.

Congress

Single legislative branch under the Articles.

Powers of Congress

Borrow money, coin money, conduct foreign policy.

No Executive Branch

Absence of a central authority in government.

Inaction

Difficulty in passing measures led to stagnation.

Shays' Rebellion

Farmers' uprising against economic injustices.

Daniel Shays

Leader of the rebellion in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Legislature

Dominated by merchants, affecting farmers' interests.

Tax Imposition

Law taxing land, burdening farmers without cash.

State Militia

Local military force responding to Shays' Rebellion.

Federal Government Weakness

Inability to control crises highlighted by rebellion.

Rural-Urban Split

Conflict between farmers and bankers becomes evident.

Democracy's Reality

Rich people's interests often overshadow common goals.

War Context

Articles adopted during the American Revolutionary War.

Internal Trade Regulation

Inability to manage trade between states.

Army Raising Limitations

Congress could not raise a national army.

Seized Property Auctions

Farmers prevented auctions of their confiscated lands.