The Articles of Confederation

AP Gov

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781.

What type of government did the Articles create?

A weak national government with most power left to the states.

How was Congress structured under the Articles?

A single-house legislature (unicameral) where each state had one vote.

Did the Articles have an executive branch or president?

No, there was no executive to enforce laws.

Did the Articles have a national court system?

No, there was no judiciary to settle disputes between states.

What powers did Congress have under the Articles?

Conduct foreign affairs, declare war, make treaties, manage Native American relations, borrow money, and maintain an army/navy (though weakly).

What important power did Congress lack under the Articles?

The power to tax and regulate interstate or foreign trade.

How were amendments to the Articles approved?

They required unanimous consent of all 13 states.

What were some major weaknesses of the Articles?

No power to tax, no national currency, no executive branch, no judiciary, difficult to pass laws or amendments, and weak military power.

What were some achievements under the Articles?

Winning the Revolutionary War, Treaty of Paris (1783), and passing the Northwest Ordinance (1787) for westward expansion.

Why were the Articles replaced?

They created a government too weak to solve national problems, leading to calls for the Constitutional Convention.