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The Confederation Era

The Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation was the name of the first government of the United States. It had been started back in 1776 in the Continental Congress, and finally approved by all the states in 1781.

The Articles of Confederation was weak, on purpose. Americans were afraid of a strong national government. So, the government they decided on was weak. The national government under the Articles did not have the power to tax or enforce laws, only states did. The national government did have the power to wage war, but since they couldn’t tax, there was no way to pay for it. The government could also issue money, but the states didn’t have to use it. They had their own.

The Northwest Ordinance One of the things the new government was allowed to do was divide any new lands the United States acquired. (Or you could say taken. Most of the lands belonged to the Indians, but that didn’t stop anyone from taking them.) Under the Northwest Ordinance, when 60,000 people lived in a territory, they could apply to become a state. Slavery was also outlawed, but runaway slaves were to be returned to their lawful “owners.” Freedom of religion and trial by jury were guaranteed.

Weaknesses of the Articles Since the national government could not tax, and the national money was worthless, debt became a huge problem. The biggest problem was that the soldiers who had fought the war, had not been paid, and they were mad.

Articles Article 1 formally named the confederation. Article 2 ensures that each state is a free and sovereign state, and establishes that any power not granted the federal government is reserved for the States Article 3 establishes a common defense pact

Cont. Article 4 ensures that the citizens of each state are to be treated as a citizen of any state they are visiting; there is to be free travel between states; that no special taxes on the sales of goods to a citizen of another state; established extradition between the states; and established that the decisions of each states' courts would be recognized by all other states.

Cont. Article 5 established a Congress. Each state would send between two and seven delegates, and established a three-year term limit for delegates. The delegates from each state had to vote as a block (i.e., one vote per state, regardless of the number of delegates).

Cont. Article 6 outlines powers not available to the states. For example, states shall not have embassies or receive ambassadors; no treaties between states; no standing navies could be kept (except as needed for defense or to protect shipping); and no standing armies, with the same exception; militias are to be kept up, including sufficient stores of material; no state may go to war unless attacked.

Cont Article 7 ensures that all officers in the militia placed in national service, at or under the rank of colonel, will be appointed by the state. Article 8 stipulates that a common treasury will be maintained for the upkeep of a military. Said treasury is to be stocked by payments made by the states, the amount of which will be in proportion to the value of all land and property in the state. Said taxes may be raised by the states in any way they so choose.

Cont. Article 9 details the powers of Congress. To make and wage war; to appoint ambassadors; to enter into treaties;. The Congress had final authority to settle border disputes between states, or any other interstate dispute. The Congress could set the value of money, but not make it. It could regulate trade with Indian tribes, and could set post offices and charge postage. It could appoint officers to the army and navy, and set the rules for those forces. It could borrow and raise money, with a full accounting of all such monies sent to the states every half-year. 9/13 states were required for most Congressional action, including the borrowing of money, the start of war, raise taxes, etc.

Cont. Article 10 The executive committee, which operates when Congress is in recess, may be given any of these powers as long as they don’t act without the consent of at least nine states. Article 11 Canada may join this Union. Any other colony wishing to join must be agreed on by at least nine states.

Cont Article 12: The new United States will be responsible for all debts that Congress contracted before these articles were signed.   Article 13: Every state will respect the decisions of the United States in Congress assembled. The Union will be perpetual. No changes may be made to these articles unless Congress agrees and every state legislature also agrees.