- The Articles of Confederation marked a significant milestone in the history of the United States as the first written constitution to guide the federal government of the newly independent nation. It provided a framework for the governance and powers of the federal government, establishing the legal foundation for the country.
2. Confederation Governance Structure:
- It established the federal government's structure, based on a loose confederation of individual states. Each state possessed significant sovereignty and power, while the federal government had limited authority and primarily served as a coordination and advisory body.
3. Limited Federal Powers:
- The Articles limited the powers of the central government. The federal government did not have the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or maintain a standing army or navy. Instead, these responsibilities fell primarily on the individual states.
4. Voting and Representation:
- Decision-making in the federal government under the Articles was based on a one-vote-per-state system, regardless of the state's population or size. This ensured equal representation for all states, irrespective of their demographic disparities.
5. States' Rights and Autonomy:
- The Articles emphasized states' rights and autonomy. This limited the scope of federal authority and preserved the sovereignty of individual states, ensuring a balance between national and state interests.
6. Foreign Policy and Diplomacy:
- While the Articles restricted the federal government's domestic powers, they did allow the central government to negotiate treaties with foreign nations. This enabled the United States to engage in international relations and establish diplomatic ties with other countries.
7. Amendment and Ratification Process:
- Amending the Articles of Confederation required unanimous agreement among all thirteen states, making the process cumbersome and politically challenging. This rigidity hampered the government's ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances.
8. Prelude to the U.S. Constitution:
- The weaknesses and limitations of the Articles of Confederation became apparent over time, leading to the creation of a new constitution. The U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1789, addressed many of the deficiencies of the Articles and established a stronger federal government with increased powers and a system of checks and balances.