Comprehensive Guide to the
Making of
the U.S. Constitution and Federal
System
Articles of Confederation Context and
Content
The Articles of Confederation were drafted between 1776 and
1777, adopted by Congress in 1777, and fully ratified in 1781. They
established the first national framework for the United States,
creating a confederation of sovereign states that cooperated for
common purposes. Under this system, the national government
was deliberately limited, reflecting the colonists’ fear of
centralized authority reminiscent of British tyranny. The Articles
replaced the Continental Congress’s earlier governmental
,structure, aiming to unify the states while preserving their
independence.
The Articles granted Congress specific powers such as
regulating foreign trade and military affairs, establishing
postal services, borrowing money, determining the value of
coinage, and issuing credit. However, these powers were
limited and lacked enforcement mechanisms, leading to
significant weaknesses.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles
of Confederation
While the Articles served as an important initial step in
organizing the new nation, they had notable strengths:
Organized early American government during the
Revolutionary War. Facilitated alliances, notably with France
in 1778.
Concluded the Treaty of Paris in 1783, ending the Revolutionary
War.
, Enabled westward expansion through the Northwest
Ordinance of 1787, which established procedures for
territorial governance and prohibited slavery in the
Northwest territories.
Laid the groundwork for future constitutional development by
establishing a centralized government with certain powers.
Despite these strengths, the Articles had critical weaknesses:
Inability to pay off national debt due to lack of
power to tax. No standing military or effective
defense mechanism.
Weak diplomatic influence and inability to enforce treaties.
Weak taxation and commerce regulation, resulting in
economic instability.
Lack of law enforcement and judicial authority.
Extensive amending process—requiring unanimous consent—
making reforms difficult.
No national currency, leading to economic disarray.
No executive branch to enforce laws or coordinate policy.
The government under the Articles was hamstrung because
Congress could only act if nine of the thirteen states agreed,
and each state had an equal vote regardless of population,
further weakening national authority.
Constitutional Convention Proposals
The weaknesses of the Articles prompted proposals at the
Constitutional Convention to create a stronger federal
government:
New Jersey Plan: Advocated for equal representation for all
states, regardless of size, with a simplified amending process.
It aimed to preserve state sovereignty and fix the Articles’
, weaknesses.
Making of
the U.S. Constitution and Federal
System
Articles of Confederation Context and
Content
The Articles of Confederation were drafted between 1776 and
1777, adopted by Congress in 1777, and fully ratified in 1781. They
established the first national framework for the United States,
creating a confederation of sovereign states that cooperated for
common purposes. Under this system, the national government
was deliberately limited, reflecting the colonists’ fear of
centralized authority reminiscent of British tyranny. The Articles
replaced the Continental Congress’s earlier governmental
,structure, aiming to unify the states while preserving their
independence.
The Articles granted Congress specific powers such as
regulating foreign trade and military affairs, establishing
postal services, borrowing money, determining the value of
coinage, and issuing credit. However, these powers were
limited and lacked enforcement mechanisms, leading to
significant weaknesses.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles
of Confederation
While the Articles served as an important initial step in
organizing the new nation, they had notable strengths:
Organized early American government during the
Revolutionary War. Facilitated alliances, notably with France
in 1778.
Concluded the Treaty of Paris in 1783, ending the Revolutionary
War.
, Enabled westward expansion through the Northwest
Ordinance of 1787, which established procedures for
territorial governance and prohibited slavery in the
Northwest territories.
Laid the groundwork for future constitutional development by
establishing a centralized government with certain powers.
Despite these strengths, the Articles had critical weaknesses:
Inability to pay off national debt due to lack of
power to tax. No standing military or effective
defense mechanism.
Weak diplomatic influence and inability to enforce treaties.
Weak taxation and commerce regulation, resulting in
economic instability.
Lack of law enforcement and judicial authority.
Extensive amending process—requiring unanimous consent—
making reforms difficult.
No national currency, leading to economic disarray.
No executive branch to enforce laws or coordinate policy.
The government under the Articles was hamstrung because
Congress could only act if nine of the thirteen states agreed,
and each state had an equal vote regardless of population,
further weakening national authority.
Constitutional Convention Proposals
The weaknesses of the Articles prompted proposals at the
Constitutional Convention to create a stronger federal
government:
New Jersey Plan: Advocated for equal representation for all
states, regardless of size, with a simplified amending process.
It aimed to preserve state sovereignty and fix the Articles’
, weaknesses.
