how did the struggle for Independence from Britain affect the writing of the Articles of Confederation?

Question

The Congress wanted to restrict the powers of the government, so it did not become too powerful, like the British government.

The Congress only required nine out thirteen states to ratify the Articles of Confederation because of the urgency of the war.

The Congress wanted judges to be elected rather than appointed.

The Congress wanted to create a government that could effectively trade with other nations.

Answer 1

The struggle for independence from Britain had a significant impact on the writing of the Articles of Confederation, influencing the delegates' attitudes toward government structure and power dynamics. Here are some key points regarding the various factors you mentioned:

1. Desire to Restrict Government Power: The experience of colonists under British rule had instilled a deep-seated fear of centralized power and tyranny. As a result, the Articles of Confederation were designed to create a weak central government that would not infringe upon the rights and liberties of the individual states. This led the Congress to prioritize the autonomy of states over a strong national authority.

2. Ratification Process: The urgency of the Revolutionary War and the necessity to unify the states quickly encouraged Congress to establish a framework for governance that required the approval of only nine out of thirteen states for ratification. This was a practical decision aimed at promoting a functional government despite the difficulties of achieving unanimous consent.

3. Judicial Structure: The preference for elected judges reflects a broader concern about the concentration of power. Many founders believed that an appointed judiciary could lead to corruption and a lack of accountability, similar to their experiences with British rule. By advocating for elected judges, Congress sought to ensure that the judicial system remained responsive to the will of the people.

4. Trade and Foreign Relations: While the Articles of Confederation did allow for some degree of engagement in trade and foreign relations, the overall structure limited the government's ability to effectively manage these activities. The framers hoped that the Articles would facilitate cooperation among states for economic purposes, but the lack of a strong central authority hindered the ability to regulate trade effectively and negotiate treaties.

In summary, the turmoil of the struggle for independence influenced the framing of the Articles of Confederation by emphasizing restrictions on government power, a focus on state sovereignty, a system for judicial accountability, and the initial intentions about foreign trade. However, the weaknesses inherent in the Articles ultimately led to calls for a stronger federal government, culminating in the Constitutional Convention of 1787.