How The Articles Of Confederation Developed The First Written Constitution Dbq

Kareem Lewis DBQ Essay EWSIS
SS 10/31/014 In 1781, the newly independent states in America developed the first written constitution in the United States, known as the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation served as the written law in the United States. The Articles of Confederation grouped the individual states with a weak central government to be sure the government of the United States would not be similar to that of Britain. This document took Americans through the American Revolution successfully, but
contained many flaws. Although the Articles of Confederation had some effectiveness, many parts needed great change. During The time two grups had opposing ideas about how the constitution should be set. The groups were the Federalist who wanted a strong central government and the Anti-Federalist, who wanted a weak cenral government, and that the states had the majority of the power. The Articles of Confederation had many poblems within it that caused problems in the U.S.
One major flaw in the Articles of Confederation was that the state governments were given much more power than the central government. For example, the Confederation Congress could not levy taxes without approval of the states. They could only present their ideas to the states, hoping to reach an agreement. When the central government requested a tariff on imported items, the state of Rhode Island refused to pay. This inefficient method of funding resulted in inflation and overall lack of money for the central government. To make an amendment in the Articles of Confederation, all thirteen states had to agree. Although this weak central government was thought of as ineffective in governing the states, it provided equal rights for every state. Each state had the same amount of power, allowing a small state with few people to have the ability to cancel the vote of another state. Many of the states had conflicting views, resulting in large struggles over the amendment of laws. The Articles of Confederation was very effective in supporting small, minority states like Rhode
Island. During the early parts of the new constitution, Many people saw flaws in it. (Doc 1) George Washington says, Leave them to themselves, and their government will soon dissolve." will not the wise and good strive hard to avert this evil ? ... What sronger evidence can be given of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders. Washington new that the constiution needed to be changed. The United States was able to show its new independence with the Articles of Confederation and set up its own government. While the Articles did set the United States free, there were too many weaknesses to provide them with a strong government. Leaders like John Jay criticized the articles because of this. Many of the problems that caused the weak government under the Articles occurred between the states and the federal government. As Washington said, if there exists not a power to check them, what security has a man for life, liberty, or property? The new constitution of the United States had been ratified, but many new problems came from the new constitution. (doc 7) Many of the founding fathers were demanding a "Bill Of Rights" They thought this would protect the people from the government. These people were the Anti-Federalist " who wanted more power for the states and a bill of rights. They thought if to much power was given to the government, it will cause tyranny. The other group of the founding fathers, were the Federalist who wanted a strong central government, but no Bill of Rights. They thouht that the government should be controled by smart,intellectual people who know about politics and would make decisions that are best fo country, not just themselves. The Bill Of Rights were saw as controlling since it meant the constitution can add rights, it can also take away rights.
The Articles of Confederation was a ship in a bad storm. In (Doc 2) The Articles were labeled "Rough Sailing Ahead" The harsh waves were the problems in the Articles of Confederation. This was great representation for the Articles because it was unsteady constitution, and the only way it can make it throught the storm (problems within the Articles of Confederation) is by a good captain, who knows of an another route or better route to take, away from he problems damaging the ship (Counrty) and create a better route system (constitution) and make it through the storm.
The purpose of the Articles of Confederation was to create a confederation of states whereby each state retained "its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right . . . not . . . expressly delegated to the United States in Congress assembled." In other words, every state was as independent as possible with the United States only responsible for the common defense, security of liberties, and the general welfare. To this effect, the Articles were purposely written to keep the national government as weak as possible. However, there were many problems that soon became apparent as the Articles took effect.Under the Articles of Confederation, states often argued amongst themselves. They also refused to financially support the national government. The national government was powerless to enforce any acts it did pass. Some states began making agreements with foreign governments. Most had their own military. Each state printed its own money. There was no stable economy. In 1786, Shays' Rebellion occurred in western Massachusetts as a protest to rising debt and economic chaos. However, the national government was unable to gather a combined military force amongst the states to help put down the rebellion. Throught this the counrty was basicly suppresed.