Identify And Describe The Main Provisions Of The Articles

Identify and describe the main provisions of the Articles of Confederation,

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States, adopted during the Revolutionary War to establish a framework for national government. Its primary provisions centered on creating a loose alliance among the thirteen states, emphasizing state sovereignty over federal authority. The Articles established a unicameral Congress where each state had one vote, and significant powers such as declaring war, conducting foreign policy, and managing western territories were granted to Congress. However, the Articles deliberately limited federal powers — it lacked authority to collect taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws directly upon citizens, relying instead on voluntary contributions from the states.

Furthermore, the Articles required unanimous consent for amendments, making revisions difficult and contributing to weaknesses. It also did not create an executive or judicial branch, which hindered enforcement of laws and resolution of conflicts. The main provisions aimed to unify the states against external threats while maintaining their independence, but this created significant operational challenges, especially in financial and military coordination.

Weaknesses of the Articles and the Western Problem

Despite its intentions, the Articles of Confederation proved to be ineffective largely because of structural weaknesses. One critical weakness was the absence of a federal power to levy taxes or control commerce; federal government depended on states' voluntary contributions, leading to financial instability. Additionally, the lack of a strong executive or national judiciary meant no effective means for enforcing laws or resolving interstate disputes. The requirement for unanimity to amend the Articles further compounded issues, obstructing necessary reforms.

One of the most pressing issues was the Western Problem, which involved the management of western territories acquired from Britain and Spain. The colonies had no clear authority to regulate these lands until the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which established procedures for territories to become states and promoted settlement. Without strong federal control, conflicts arose over land claims, sovereignty, and settlement rights, leading to instability and highlighting the need for a stronger central government, ultimately prompting the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

References

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• Farrand, M. (1937). The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787. Yale University Press.