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This article explores the flaws in the Articles of Confederation, including the limited power of the government, lack of effective commerce regulation, and difficulties in raising money and settling disputes. It also discusses the impact of these weaknesses on the effectiveness of the government.
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AP US History Articles of Confederation
Foundations – State Constitutions • Fundamental Law • Convention & Ratification • Separation of Church/State • Separation of Powers • More power for “less” wealthy • Still land requirements to vote in most states • Few rights for women and minorities • Women’s Rights • Republican Motherhood • Northern emancipation • Expansion of slavery into Southwest
Articles of Confederation • First government of the United States • A loose alliance of states • Purposely weak in reaction to the events of the previous 15-20 years You’re On Your Own
Land Laws • Treaty of Paris 1783 • Western Lands • Land Ordinance of 1785 • Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Political Structure of the Articles • Purposely Weak • Only a Legislative Branch; No Executive, No Federal Courts • One Vote per State – Unfair? • 9/13 Law • 13/13 Amendment
Economics Under the Articles • AOC Can’t Regulate Commerce • AOC Can’t Tax – heavily in debt from war • AOC Can’t Coin Money • Depressed Economics – England stopped trading with America
Foreign Affairs Under Articles Foreign Affairs: • Wins Revolutionary War • Northwest Forts (Britain) • Mississippi River (Spain) • Indian Raids (Britain) • Pirates (Aaaaarrrrr)
Primary Source: HAPP “To me, it is a mistake in politics; indeed it is one of the most extraordinary things in nature, that we should confederate as a Nation, and yet be afraid to give the rulers of that nation, who are creatures of our making, appointed for a limited and short duration …and recallable at any moment … sufficient powers to order and direct affairs of the state. By such policy as this the wheels of government are now clogged .. We are descending into the veil of confusion and darkness.” -George Washington, letter to James Warren, 10/7/1785
Key Questions • How did the Articles of Confederation deal with land organization in the Old Northwest? • Why did Congress have difficulty passing laws under the Articles of Confederation? • Why was it difficult (impossible) for the government under the Articles of Confederation to raise money to pay its expenses? • Why was it difficult (impossible) for the government under the Articles of Confederation to settle disputes between states or citizens of different states? • Which of the weaknesses of the Articles proved most significant in causing the failure of the government of the Articles?
How effective were the Articles of Confederation? Effective Ineffective
Practice Argumentation How effective were the Articles of Confederation? • T – Topic/Assertion (answer w/ generalizations) • E – Evidence (2 details) • A – Analysis/Tie it Up/Show HTS • Therefore, ….
Sample TEA Paragraph The Articles of Confederation were partially successful because while it successfully organized land, it was structured poorly. The Articles were successful because of the two land laws it passed. The Land Ordinance of 1785 divided land into grids to be sold and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set up a process for territories to become states. Despite these achievement, the Articles were poorly organized. The Articles only has a legislative branch. It did not have president to lead or a national court to settle disputes. The legislative branch had a difficult time passing laws because it took 9 of 13 states to make a law. It also took 13 of 13 states to agree to an amendment, so change was basically impossible. Therefore, the Articles of Confederation were a mild success because they were able to organize western lands but struggled to build an effective form of government.
Abigail Adams to her Husband, John Adams “remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.”
