chapter2lecture2
Articles of Confederation Overview
The British did not recognize the Declaration of Independence and sent troops to suppress the rebellion.
The colonies needed to establish a national government due to their previous status as 13 separate colonies.
The Second Continental Congress drafted the Articles of Confederation, America's first political constitution. The current constitution is the second one.
Confederation Definition
Confederation: A voluntary association of independent states with limited restraints on their freedom of action.
Power is centered in state governments; national government powers are delegated by the states.
Unitary System: Centralized power in the national government.
Federal System: Power shared between states and the national government.
Structure of Government Under the Articles
The national government was weak; it consisted of only one branch: the legislative branch.
There was no executive branch (no President) or judicial branch.
The legislature was unicameral (one house), unlike today's bicameral Congress.
Representation in the National Government
Each state had one vote in the legislature, leading to equal representation among all thirteen states.
Legislative Procedures
Passing legislation required 9 votes.
Amending the Articles required unanimous consent from all states.
Powers of the Central Government
Conduct diplomacy and make treaties.
Print money and resolve disputes among states.
Establish weights and measures and coordinate the national defense.
Limits of the Central Government
Lacked power to tax and enforce laws, hindering effectiveness.
States acted independently, leading to economic chaos and trade wars.
Reasons for a Weak Central Government
Allege loyalty to individual states over the national government.
Competition among states for territorial expansion.
Negative experiences with strong central governments in the past.
Economic Crises Post-Revolution
The national government managed to raise and finance the Continental Army but was limited in power.
Following the war, economic turmoil included restricted exports and increased state debts, leading to inflation and farm foreclosures.
Shay's Rebellion
An armed rebellion led by Daniel Shays due to the government's failure to pay veterans and rising tax burdens on farmers.
Highlighted the inability of the central government to maintain order and fulfill promises, leading to calls for a stronger national government.
Outcome
Shay's Rebellion damaged the credibility of the national government, prompting a convention in Philadelphia.
Instead of revising the Articles of Confederation, the delegates created the current Constitution.
Key Points on the Articles of Confederation:
Need for a National Government: The colonies needed to establish a national government after declaring independence but were previously 13 separate entities.
Drafting the Articles: The Second Continental Congress created the Articles of Confederation as America’s first political constitution, which has since been replaced.
Nature of Confederation: A confederation is a voluntary association of independent states with limited restraints on their freedom of action, unlike a unitary or federal system.
Weak National Government: The government under the Articles was weak, consisting only of a unicameral legislature without an executive or judicial branch.
Representation: Each state had equal representation in the legislature, with one vote each.
Legislative Challenges: Legislation required 9 votes to pass, and amending the Articles needed unanimous consent.
Limited Powers: The central government could conduct diplomacy, print money, and resolve disputes but lacked the power to tax and enforce laws.
Economic Challenges: Post-revolutionary economic crises led to inflation and chaos as states acted independently, competing for resources.
Shay's Rebellion: This armed uprising highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles and emphasized the need for a stronger national government.
Outcome: Shay's Rebellion called for a convention, resulting in the creation of the current Constitution instead of merely revising the Articles of Confederation.
Key Points on the Articles of Confederation:
Need for a National Government: The colonies needed to establish a national government after declaring independence but were previously 13 separate entities.
Drafting the Articles: The Second Continental Congress created the Articles of Confederation as America’s first political constitution, which has since been replaced.
Nature of Confederation: A confederation is a voluntary association of independent states with limited restraints on their freedom of action, unlike a unitary or federal system.
Weak National Government: The government under the Articles was weak, consisting only of a unicameral legislature without an executive or judicial branch.
Representation: Each state had equal representation in the legislature, with one vote each.
Legislative Challenges: Legislation required 9 votes to pass, and amending the Articles needed unanimous consent.
Limited Powers: The central government could conduct diplomacy, print money, and resolve disputes but lacked the power to tax and enforce laws.
Economic Challenges: Post-revolutionary economic crises led to inflation and chaos as states acted independently, competing for resources.
Shay's Rebellion: This armed uprising highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles and emphasized the need for a stronger national government.
Outcome: Shay's Rebellion called for a convention, resulting in the creation of the current Constitution instead of merely revising the Articles of Confederation.