The Success of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution introduced to Congress 1777 that linked the thirteen independent states together in dealing with common problems. Ratified in 1781, under the Articles of Confederation did make lasting contributions to the nation's well being. The Articles of Confederation despite it's defects, was a significant stepping stone toward the present constitution. Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government was successful in governing the United States in terms of clearly outlining general powers, regulating the western lands and keeping the thirteen colonies together in peace.

The Articles of Confederation was crucial towards creating a sense of general power in the United States. Under the articles, an establishment of a federal system was created as there was division of powers between the national and state governments. There was no executive branch in order to prevent another rebellion such as the one with King George III. The properly balanced system helped created a fairer system in the United States in favor of the people accordingly to their state. Each state participated in the voting system two thirds of the votes were needed when dealing with subjects of matter that had to be dealt with. Assigned roles to specific parts of the government were also established as the central government took care of jobs such as making treaties and establishing a postal service. The articles had outlined the sense of power that was currently used in the United States government and was quite successful as they dealt with the events that occurred during the time.

Another way governing the United States was successful under the articles was dealing with the western lands. As people wanted to move into the new land, the government had to figure out a way to help settle the area. Perhaps the greatest contribution from the articles, the government outlined certain policies and land laws to help establish the new foundations. The first major land law was the Land Ordinance of 1785, which stated that the land was to be sold to pay off national debt. The area was surveyed before sale and settlement to prevent endless confusion and lawsuits as well as divided in to certain sections for benefit of the town. Another land law passed was the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. This ordinance stated that there would be evolutionary stages during which an area would be subordinate to the federal government. Then, when a territory could boast sixty thousand inhabitants, it might be admitted by Congress as a state with all the privileges of the thirteen charters. The government dealt with the western lands well which may have prevented a second American Revolution from occurring.

The way of governing the United States surely held the thirteen colonies together. If the government had not given up power, the ideal of union and a nation of thirteen colonies might have fallen apart. The anemic Articles represented what the states regarded as an alarming surrender of their power. As the articles being the first constitution, it was a basic layout to keep the states peacefully together as a strong nation. Ripe just after achieving independence from Britain, the establishment of a strong peaceful constitution helped keep the thirteen colonies together.

Under the Articles of Confederation, governing the United States was tough, but it led to positive outcomes. Preventing any more disputes, it set up the basis of a government as an independent country. The government gave up a majority of it's power to help keep the United States together and in unity. The strong bond formed during this time was the stepping stone towards further development of the Constitution.