The government under the Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1777 and in effect until 1789, was a unicameral system, meaning it consisted of a single legislative body—a Congress of the Confederation. Unlike the later U.S. government established under the Constitution, there was no executive branch (president) or judicial branch (Supreme Court) with significant independent power. This structure reflected the colonists' deep distrust of strong central authority, a sentiment forged during their struggle for independence from British rule.
What Did the Congress of the Confederation Consist Of?
The Congress consisted of delegates from each of the thirteen states. Importantly, each state had only one vote, regardless of its population size. This equal representation, while reflecting the spirit of equality among the states, also proved problematic as larger states felt underrepresented in decision-making. Delegates were chosen and appointed by state legislatures, not directly by the people. This further underscores the limited direct democracy present in the Articles' framework.
What Powers Did the Confederation Congress Have?
The powers vested in the Congress under the Articles of Confederation were intentionally limited. The framers deliberately aimed to prevent the creation of a powerful central government that might mirror the tyranny they had just overthrown. The Congress could:
- Declare war and make peace: This was a crucial power, allowing the government to engage in and conclude conflicts.
- Make treaties with foreign nations: This power facilitated international relations and trade agreements.
- Coin money: The Congress had the authority to mint currency, though this power was often exercised inconsistently, leading to financial instability.
- Borrow money: Securing loans was essential for financing the war effort and governing activities.
- Raise an army and navy: Maintaining a defense force was critical, although funding and maintaining this force proved challenging under the Articles.
- Regulate trade with Native Americans: This was an important function given the ongoing interactions and conflicts with Native American tribes.
What Were the Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
The limited powers of the Congress, while intended to safeguard liberty, created several significant weaknesses:
- Lack of executive and judicial branches: The absence of independent executive and judicial branches resulted in a weak and inefficient government. There was no effective mechanism to enforce laws or settle disputes between states.
- Limited power to tax: The Congress could request taxes from the states, but it lacked the power to compel them to pay. This severely hampered its ability to fund vital government functions, leading to significant financial instability.
- Inability to regulate interstate commerce: The absence of federal regulation of interstate trade hindered economic growth and created conflict among states.
- Amendments required unanimous consent: Changing the Articles required the unanimous approval of all thirteen states, a near-impossible feat that rendered the process effectively paralyzed.
Why Did the Articles of Confederation Fail?
Ultimately, the Articles of Confederation's weaknesses led to its failure. The government's inability to address critical economic and political problems, coupled with significant interstate friction, highlighted the need for a stronger, more unified national government. The Shay's Rebellion of 1786-1787, a series of armed uprisings by indebted farmers in Massachusetts, dramatically illustrated the Articles' inability to maintain order and security, ultimately serving as a catalyst for the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
How Did the Government Under the Articles Differ From the Government Under the Constitution?
The government under the Constitution is drastically different. It established a system of checks and balances with three distinct branches – executive, legislative, and judicial – each with specific powers and responsibilities. It also granted the federal government significantly more power to tax, regulate commerce, and maintain order, effectively addressing the deficiencies inherent in the Articles of Confederation. The system moved away from the principle of equal state representation in the national legislature toward a system incorporating both equal and proportional representation (Senate and House of Representatives, respectively). These key changes reflect a fundamental shift in the balance of power between the states and the national government.
