PRESENTATION OUTLINE
THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION: A GOOD IDEA OR NOT.
The articles of confederation was the United States first constitution. Created by the continental congress in 1777, it was not completed until 1781.
The articles represented a victory for those who followed the state sovereignty. Article 2 stated that each state has its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power... Which is not expressly delegated to the United States any amendment required good consent of the states.
The articles of confederation created a national government composed of a congress which had the power to declare war, appoint militaries, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors, and manage relationships with Indians. All states were represented equally in congress, and nine of the 13 states had to approve a bill before it became a law.
Under the articles the states, not congress had the power to tax. Congress could raise money only by asking the state for funds, borrowing from foreign governments or selling western lands . In addition congress could not draft soldiers or regulate trade. There was no problem for national courts.
The articles of confederation did not include a president. The states feared another George III 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 create a problem 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 states to carry out their duties and obey congressional decisions . But the states refused to make contributions to the central gov. It's 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 cont army threatened to rebel over the lack of pay.
A series of events during the 1780s convinced a group of national leaders that the articles of confederation provided a totally inadequate framework of government.
