Articles of Confederation (APUSH 3.7)

Summary

This video explores the Articles of Confederation, the first national government of the United States. It highlights the formation of a limited central government after the American Revolution, with most power in the legislative branch. The video discusses key issues like the lack of a national tax system, interstate commerce regulation, and foreign relations challenges. While the Articles had some successes, like organizing westward expansion through the Northwest Ordinance, problems like Shays' Rebellion exposed their weaknesses, ultimately leading to calls for a stronger federal government and the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Articles of Confederation were the first national government of the U.S., created after the American Revolution to unify the independent states.
• 💡 The Articles created a weak central government with only one legislative branch, no executive or judicial branches, to avoid tyranny.
• 🏛️ Each state had one vote in the unicameral legislative branch, and changes to the Articles required unanimous consent from all 13 states.
• 💰 The federal government under the Articles couldn't tax, regulate trade, or raise revenue, leaving the country in financial trouble post-revolution.
• 📉 Many states printed their own money, leading to inflation, and there were no federal mechanisms to regulate interstate commerce or deal with debt.
• 🌍 International issues arose, such as Britain still occupying forts in the U.S. and Spain closing the Mississippi River to American trade.
• 📚 The Northwest Ordinances, passed under the Articles, organized western territories and banned slavery in the Northwest, laying groundwork for statehood.
• ⚔️ Shays' Rebellion in the 1780s highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles, as the federal government couldn't raise an army to deal with the unrest.
• 😱 The rebellion scared the elites and demonstrated the need for a stronger federal government, as the Articles couldn't handle internal conflicts.
• 📜 The Articles of Confederation were eventually replaced by the U.S. Constitution, which created a stronger central government with multiple branches.

Q & A

What was the main reason for creating the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation were created to unify the newly independent states and establish a government based on the principles fought for during the American Revolution, with a focus on limiting government power.

Why did the states give so much power to the legislative branch under the Articles of Confederation?

The states gave more power to the legislative branch because they had just freed themselves from what they viewed as an abusive and tyrannical government, and they wanted a system where the government would be accountable to the people.

How many branches of government did the Articles of Confederation establish?

The Articles of Confederation established only one branch of government, the legislative branch, because the states were concerned about creating a strong executive that might resemble a monarchy.

What were some key limitations of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

Some key limitations included the lack of an executive branch, no national court system, and the inability of the national government to tax or regulate interstate commerce.

What challenges did the United States face under the Articles of Confederation in the 1780s?

The U.S. faced economic difficulties, including debt, inflation, and the inability to raise revenue, as well as international challenges like British forts in the Northwest and Spain closing the Mississippi River to U.S. trade.

What was the Northwest Ordinance, and why was it significant?

The Northwest Ordinance was passed under the Articles of Confederation to organize the settlement of western territories and outline the process for admitting new states to the Union. It also promoted public education, protected private property, and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.

What was Shay's Rebellion, and why did it cause concern among the elites?

Shay's Rebellion was an uprising of farmers in Massachusetts who were protesting high taxes and debt. It alarmed the elites because it seemed like mob rule and exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation in handling internal unrest.

How did the Articles of Confederation influence the creation of the U.S. Constitution?

The Articles of Confederation's limitations, particularly in terms of economic control, interstate commerce, and defense, led to increased calls for a stronger central government and eventually the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

What was the process for admitting new states under the Northwest Ordinance?

Under the Northwest Ordinance, once a territory reached a certain number of settlers, it could apply for statehood and would be admitted to the Union on equal terms with the original 13 states.

What role did the Articles of Confederation play during the American Revolution?

The Articles of Confederation provided a framework for the central government to lead the colonies through the American Revolution and transition from being colonies to becoming independent states.