1. Principle of Representation: The Articles of Confederation established a representative form of government, where members of the Continental Congress were elected by state legislatures. This marked a significant departure from the colonial period when the British monarchy held unchecked power. The principle of representation allowed for the voice of the people to be heard in decision-making processes.
2. State Sovereignty: The Articles of Confederation emphasized the sovereignty of individual states. Each state had the power to govern its own internal affairs, create its laws, and administer justice. This concept of state sovereignty became a fundamental principle of the American federal system.
3. Unicameral Legislature: Under the Articles of Confederation, the legislative branch of the federal government consisted of a single-house Congress, where each state had one vote regardless of its size or population. This equal representation gave smaller states a stronger voice and protected their interests.
4. Limited Federal Powers: The federal government under the Articles of Confederation had limited powers compared to the states. The Congress could not levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce, or enter into treaties without the consent of all states. This limited authority aimed to prevent the concentration of power at the federal level and preserve the autonomy of the states.
5. Amendments: The Articles of Confederation recognized the need for future changes and improvements to the federal system. An amendment to the Articles required unanimity among all states, which proved to be challenging to achieve in practice. However, this provision demonstrated an understanding of the need for flexibility and adaptability.
6. Emphasis on States' Rights: The Articles of Confederation prioritized states' rights, which sometimes hindered the federal government's ability to address pressing national issues. This focus on states' rights shaped American democracy by embedding the principle of decentralization and safeguarding the autonomy of individual states.
7. Lessons Learned: The weaknesses and limitations of the Articles of Confederation became evident during the 1780s, leading to calls for a stronger federal government. The Constitution of the United States, drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, addressed many of the flaws in the Articles of Confederation and established a more robust and effective system of governance.
In summary, the Articles of Confederation shaped American democracy by establishing important principles such as representation, state sovereignty, limited federal powers, and adaptability through amendments. While the Articles of Confederation had limitations, they laid the groundwork for the evolution of the American federal system and contributed to the development of a more democratic and effective government under the U.S. Constitution.