What are the principles of the Articles of Confederation?

Answer 1

The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, served as the first constitution for the United States and established a framework for governance following independence from Britain. The principles of the Articles of Confederation can be summarized as follows:

1. Sovereignty of the States: The Articles emphasized the sovereignty and independence of each state. The federal government had limited powers, and states retained most of their independence and authority.

2. Weak Central Government: A core principle was the establishment of a weak central government. Congress had no power to enforce laws, levy taxes, or regulate commerce, relying instead on voluntary compliance from the states.

3. Unicameral Legislature: The Articles created a unicameral Congress, where each state received one vote regardless of its size or population. This reflected the desire to maintain equality among the states.

4. Limited Powers of Congress: Congress was granted limited powers, such as conducting foreign affairs, declaring war, and making treaties. However, it lacked the ability to impose taxes or regulate interstate commerce, which hindered its effectiveness.

5. State Cooperation: The Articles relied on the states to voluntarily contribute revenue and troops to the national government, requiring cooperation among states for the success of the union.

6. Amendment Process: Amendments to the Articles required the unanimous consent of all thirteen states, which made it extremely difficult to adapt to changing circumstances or address weaknesses in the framework.

7. No Executive or Judicial Branch: The Articles did not establish a separate executive branch or a national judiciary. This lack of a central authority to enforce laws or adjudicate disputes was a significant weakness.

8. Commitment to Mutual Defense: The Articles included provisions for mutual defense but lacked a coherent strategy or authority to coordinate military efforts effectively.

9. Emphasis on Local Governance: By favoring state authority, the Articles reflected a belief in local governance and the notion that states could best manage their own affairs.

Ultimately, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to calls for a stronger federal government, culminating in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.