Articles of Confederation

Objectives Explain how the states’ new constitutions reflected republican ideals. Describe the structure and powers of the national government under the Articles of Confederation. Summarize the Congress’s plan for the settlement and governance of western lands. List the main weaknesses of the Articles.

What form of national government did the Patriots create initially, and what events revealed that a new government was necessary? After the Revolutionary War, the Patriots feared entrusting the Congress with too much power. Most authority remained with the states. But strong state governments and a weak national government led to problems.

Congress encouraged the former colonies to create state constitutions. Although state constitutions varied, each provided for a republic in which people voted for their representatives. Patriots disagreed over the design of these republics, especially over how much power to give the common people.

Weak state governments with most of their powers in a popularly elected legislature Unicameral legislature, or one having single house, with either a weak governor or no governor at all A large House of Representatives with small districts so that the people had more control Democratic Patriots like Thomas Paine wanted more power for common people. They favored

A governor with broad powers Bicameral legislature, or one with two houses An upper house or senate made up of wealthy, well-educated gentlemen who would balance a lower house elected by the common people Conservative Patriots like John Adams feared giving power to the common people. They favored

There was also debate over who should vote. Democratic states like Pennsylvania allowed all male taxpayers over age 21 to vote. Conservative states preserved colonial requirements of property ownership for voting. None of the states gave the vote to women or to slaves. Over time, the states grew more democratic. The House of Representatives gained more power at the expense of the Senate and governor.

Most new state constitutions guaranteed freedom of religion. Previously, colonies collected taxes for religious institutions. Now, religious freedom and pluralism became the norm. The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, written by Thomas Jefferson set the example. It allowed for religious liberty free of state influence. All men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of Religion. —Thomas Jefferson Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, 1786

The Articles of Confederation was created by the Continental Congress. This first national constitution created a loose confederation, or league of states, in 1777. Congress drafted the Articles of Confederation under the leadership of John Dickinson of Pennsylvania. Congress’s power was limited to prevent the problems experienced under Britain. The Articles of Confederation was created by the Continental Congress.

Under the Articles, government power was limited. Congress implemented and enforced laws. Executive power was shared by committees. Each state had one vote in Congress. Minor issues were passed by a simple majority. Major issues, like declaring war, required nine states. Amendments to the Articles required the agreement of all 13 states.

Congress had a limited role. Congress could Congress could not Declare war or conduct foreign policy Raise money through taxes Administer relations with Indian nations Regulate commerce between states or states and foreign nations There was also no federal court system.

The Articles created a method to settle and govern the Northwest Territory.

Surveyors divided the territory into a grid of lines north to south and east to west, establishing hundreds of townships. Each township was subdivided into sections of one square mile (640 acre), to sell at $1 each. Many farmers couldn’t afford the $1 an acre, and some land speculators got special deals. The Land Ordinance of 1785 established a method to distribute public land.

The Land Ordinance of 1785 grid system is still evident today.

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set up a system to govern territories and create states. Congress established a territorial government and appointed a governor. Settlers were guaranteed freedom of religion, trial by jury, and rights of common law. Once there were 5,000 men, an assembly could be elected. The appointed governor retained veto power. Once there were 60,000 residents, a territory could apply for statehood. It abandoned the British model of keeping colonies permanently subordinate.

The Northwest Ordinance Barred slavery Required a republican constitution Promised settlers basic freedoms Ignored the rights of Native Americans Resulted in five new states: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota The Northwest Ordinance

European nations did not take the new nation seriously. Britain denied American ships access to the British West Indies and the right to export goods to Britain on American ships. Spain forbade American trade with New Orleans. Britain kept soldiers in frontier forts located in the Northwest Territory.

The nation’s debt was mounting. The economic depression was deepening as debts, bankruptcies, and foreclosures grew. Foreign nations did not respect the United States. Growing problems led to calls for a revision of the Articles of Confederation.

Shays’ Rebellion demonstrated the weakness of the national government. In 1787, Daniel Shays led about 1,000 farmers in a raid on a federal arsenal in Massachusetts to protest taxes and farm foreclosures. The revolt failed, but many people saw the unrest as a sign that a stronger central government was needed.