1. The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union
America’s First Constitution

2. After declaring independence from the British, it was clear that a new government would be necessary for the 13 states.
A committee of the Continental Congress started drafting the Articles on July 12, 1776, shortly after the Declaration of Independence.

3. A final version was sent to each of the 13 states for ratification.
The Articles were ratified by all states and became official in 1781.

4. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States.
They were replaced by our current Constitution and a Federal form of government in 1789.

5. Compare: Confederation and Federalism
Confederation: A union of sovereign states, united for purposes of common action. Confederations of states tend to be established for dealing with critical issues, such as defense, foreign relations, and currency.
Federal government: A government with two or more levels that exist within an established territory and govern through common institutions with overlapping or shared powers as prescribed by a constitution.

6. Problems with the Articles of Confederation

7. Each state had only one vote in Congress regardless of population

8. Laws required a 9/13 majority to pass in Congress

9. Amending the Articles of Confederation required a unanimous vote from the state legislatures.

10. There was no executive to enforce laws made by Congress (there were, however, 10 presidents of Congress).

11. No national court system

12. Congress was not given the power of taxation

13. Congress could not regulate trade between states or with other nations.

14. States were concerned more with maintaining their own sovereignty.
States were often unwilling to give funds to the national government (Congress).

15. In summary…
*The Articles of Confederation was our first attempt at forming a government
*In time, it was noted that there were problems with the Articles. The biggest problems being the lack of powers for the central government.
*It was decided that a different document would need to be written and that the United States should change from a confederation to a federal system.