The Articles of Confederation (1777)

What are the Articles of Confederation?

the original constitution of the US, ratified in 1781, which was replaced by the US Constitution in 1789.

-> The Articles were more like a treaty between the states than an outline for unified governments

Article I

established that the colonies were now called the "United States of America"

Article II

States are sovereign. They are independent from each other and from this national government even though they are a league of friendship. Any powers not expressly given the national government belong to the states

Article III

The states will cooperate for the common defense of each other and their liberties, against any attacks made upon the collective or any one state.

Article IV

Citizens can freely move between states. Criminals and Enslaved people will be extradited to the state they are fleeing from if caught in another state. States will uphold each other's laws and judicial proceedings

Article V

Each state could have between 2 and 7 representatives. They couldn't serve for more than 3 years in a 6-year period. Each State has 1 Vote

Article VI

States couldn't enter international treaties without the consent of the rest of the states. States can only maintain a small army in peacetime but they must keep a well maintained militia. States cannot go to war on their own

Article VII

When armies were made by a state, all officers and colonels were to be appointed by that state's legislature

Article VIII

There was a national treasury which was maintained by the states. Only the States could levy taxes

Article IX

The Confederation Congress was to engage in international diplomacy. A majority vote of Congress was required to do anything related to diplomacy or way. Including but not limited to taxes, treatises and alliances, declarations of war etc.

Article X

Nice states are enough for the day to day operations of the national government

Article XI

Nine states have to agree to let a state into the United States. Canada is an exception

Article XII

All deals made by congress shall be credited to the United States

Article XIII

Thirteen Votes are required for amendments, otherwise laws are adhered to.