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Articles of Confederation | Previous | Next |
Digital History ID 3225 |
The Articles represented a victory for those who favored state sovereignty. Article 2 stated that "each State retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power...which is not...expressly delegated to the United States.…" Any amendment required unanimous consent of the states.
The Articles of Confederation created a national government composed of a Congress, which had the power to declare war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors, and manage relations with Indians. All states were represented equally in Congress, and nine of the 13 states had to approve a bill before it became law.
Under the Articles, the states, not Congress, had the power to tax. Congress could raise money only by asking the states for funds, borrowing from foreign governments, or selling western lands. In addition, Congress could not draft soldiers or regulate trade. There was no provision for national courts.
The Articles of Confederation did not include a president. The states feared another George III might threaten their liberties. The new framework of government also barred delegates from serving more than three years in any six year period.
The Articles of Confederation created a very weak central government. It is noteworthy that the Confederation Congress could not muster a quorum to ratify on time the treaty that guaranteed American independence, nor could it pay the expense of sending the ratified treaty back to Europe.
The Articles' framers assumed that republican virtue would lead to states to carry out their duties and obey congressional decisions. But the states refused to make their contributions to the central government. Its acts were "as little heeded as the cries of an oysterman." As a result, Congress had to stop paying interest on the public debt. The Continental army threatened to mutiny over lack of pay.
A series of events during the 1780s convinced a group of national leaders that the Articles of Confederation provided a wholly inadequate framework of government.
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The powers and limits of congress 1700's
Terms in this set (14)
Powers of Congress
Coin and Borrow Money
Powers of Congress
Admit new states and divide western land
Powers of Congress
Request money from states
Powers of Congress
Raise an army
Powers of Congress
Appoint military officers
Powers of Congress
Establish postal system
Powers of Congress
Declare war and make peace
Powers of Congress
Conduct foreign affairs
Limits on Congress
No president or Executive Branch
Limits on Congress
No national court system
Limits on Congress
No power to tax or raise national funds
Limits on Congress
No power to regulate trade or currency
Limits on Congress
No power to prohibit states from foreign affairs
Limits on Congress
Major laws required the approval of nine states to pass
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