Heimler's AP Gov 1.4

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, in effect from 1777 to 1789, creating a confederation of 13 sovereign states.

Confederation

A union of sovereign states bound together for purposes of common action.

Strength of the Articles

Prevented tyranny of a strong central government, as a reaction to the monarchy.

Weakness of the Articles

Unicameral Congress with no executive or judicial branches, leading to a lack of a strong federal authority.

Amendments under the Articles

Required unanimous approval from all 13 states, making changes to the document extremely difficult.

Power to tax

The Articles did not grant Congress the ability to tax, only allowing requests for funds from states.

National currency

There was no established national currency under the Articles, resulting in economic chaos with each state having different money.

National army

The Articles did not provide for a national army, relying instead on state militias to respond to conflicts.

Shays’ Rebellion

An armed uprising (1786–1787) led by Daniel Shays in Massachusetts, aimed at shutting down courts and preventing debt collection.

Significance of Shays’ Rebellion

Revealed the failures of the Articles of Confederation, particularly the lack of a national army and inability to maintain order.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

A meeting called to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger central government.