Explain the Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Hope Greamo
PSC 201
Chapter 1; Explain the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
The Articles of Confederation delivered the United States with an operational government from 1781 to 1789. It was a model of what a loose Confederation should be. The Articles succeeded in maintaining the union of the thirteen states as well as clearly outlining the general powers of the centralized government. Yet, despite these positive deeds, there were many setbacks. One major setback was the weak government designed to prevent any future abuse of power. However, with all things that have come into play, good or bad, the Constitution that now shapes America would have never been formed without first evolving from the flawed Articles of Confederation. (Magleby)
The Articles of Confederation was drafted in 1776 by a congress appointed committee even before America had declared their independence. It became effective on March 1, 1781 when the last of the thirteen states, which was Maryland, finally ratified the constitution. The Articles was the first written constitution of the Republic of the United States. Thomas Jefferson addressed the Articles as the best one “existing or ever did exist.” (Magleby)
There were many accomplishments of the Articles of Confederation that have helped provide the United States with a basis for a foundation of government which include the development of Congress. The Congress was the chief agency of government comprised of delegates or representatives from each state. The Congress was responsible for conducting foreign affairs, declaring war and peace, maintaining an army and navy as well as establishing the postal service. The Congress took part in important businesses of the country during the last two years of the Revolution, helped to negotiate treaty of Paris in 1782 and produced two epic pieces of legislation. (Magleby)
The first historical legislation that was passed by the Congress was The Land
PSC 201
Chapter 1; Explain the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
The Articles of Confederation delivered the United States with an operational government from 1781 to 1789. It was a model of what a loose Confederation should be. The Articles succeeded in maintaining the union of the thirteen states as well as clearly outlining the general powers of the centralized government. Yet, despite these positive deeds, there were many setbacks. One major setback was the weak government designed to prevent any future abuse of power. However, with all things that have come into play, good or bad, the Constitution that now shapes America would have never been formed without first evolving from the flawed Articles of Confederation. (Magleby)
The Articles of Confederation was drafted in 1776 by a congress appointed committee even before America had declared their independence. It became effective on March 1, 1781 when the last of the thirteen states, which was Maryland, finally ratified the constitution. The Articles was the first written constitution of the Republic of the United States. Thomas Jefferson addressed the Articles as the best one “existing or ever did exist.” (Magleby)
There were many accomplishments of the Articles of Confederation that have helped provide the United States with a basis for a foundation of government which include the development of Congress. The Congress was the chief agency of government comprised of delegates or representatives from each state. The Congress was responsible for conducting foreign affairs, declaring war and peace, maintaining an army and navy as well as establishing the postal service. The Congress took part in important businesses of the country during the last two years of the Revolution, helped to negotiate treaty of Paris in 1782 and produced two epic pieces of legislation. (Magleby)
The first historical legislation that was passed by the Congress was The Land
References: Magleby, Light, Nemacheck; Government by the People, 2011, Pearson education inc. Kelley. "American History." Why did the Articles of confederation Fail?. 2012. About.com. 2012. http://americanhistory.about.com/od/governmentandpolitics/f/articles_of_confederation_fails.htm