Articles Of Confederation Flashcards
What did the Articles of Confederation do?
The Articles created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, leaving most of the power with the state governments.
When was the Articles of Confederation brought into play?
The Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, on November 15, 1777. However, ratification of the Articles of Confederation by all thirteen states did not occur until March 1, 1781.
What did the Continental Congress decide on June 11, 1776?
June 11, 1776 - The Continental Congress resolved “that a committee be appointed to prepare and digest the form of a confederation to be entered into between these colonies.”
When was the Articles of Confederation officially signed?
July 9, 1778 - The second engrossed copy of the Articles was signed and ratified by the delegates from eight states: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and South Carolina.
When Maryland signed in 1781 what finally happened?
March 1, 1781 - Maryland delegates signed the ratification of the Articles of Confederation. The Articles were finally ratified by all thirteen states.
Explain the years of 1787 & 1789 in regards to the Constitutions of the US
The need for a stronger Federal government soon became apparent and eventually led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The present United States Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation on March 4, 1789.
What were some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
STRENGTHS:
1 To declare war and make peace.
2 To coin and borrow money
3 To detail with foreign countries and sign treaties
4 To operate post offices
WEAKNESSES:
1 The national government could not force the states to obey its laws.
2 It did not have the power to tax
3 It did not have the power to enforce laws
4 Congress lacked strong and steady leadership
5 There was no national army or navy
6 There was no system of national courts
7 Each state could issue its own paper money
8 Each state could put tariffs on trade between states. (A tariff is a tax on goods coming in from another state or country.)
