Articles of Confederation (1777)

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the Articles of Confederation as discussed in the lecture.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, establishing a national government composed of a Congress.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; each state retains its own independence under the Articles.

Mutual Welfare

The concept that states should assist each other for the collective security and benefit of all.

Full Faith and Credit

A legal requirement that each state must recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

Impost

A tax or duty on imported goods which cannot interfere with treaties made with foreign states.

Legislature

The legislative body that has the authority to make laws, as assigned to the states under the Articles.

Majority Vote

The decision-making process where more than half of the votes cast must be in favor of a proposal for it to pass.

Committee of the States

A group appointed to carry out congressional powers during the recess of Congress, consisting of one delegate from each state.

Ratification

The formal approval of the Articles of Confederation by the legislatures of each state.

Defence and Welfare

The Articles mandate the establishment of a common defense and the general welfare of the states.