The Articles of Confederation - The Constitution Before the Constitution

Summary

The video discusses the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution. Initially drafted to establish governance after independence, the Articles faced significant issues, including a lack of centralized authority and the inability to tax. This led to conflicts between states and culminated in events like Shays' Rebellion. Recognizing these flaws, the Philadelphia Convention in 1787 aimed to revise the Articles, resulting in the ratification of the Constitution by 1790. The framers learned valuable lessons about the necessity of a strong national government, checks and balances, and a flexible system that could evolve with time.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Articles of Confederation were America's first governing document, drafted shortly after the Declaration of Independence.
• 🏛️ The Continental Congress took over a year to debate and finalize the Articles due to fears of a centralized government.
• ⚖️ Each state had one vote under the Articles, regardless of size, to appease smaller states worried about larger states' influence.
• 🏴‍☠️ The Articles allowed Congress to declare war, manage foreign policy, and run the military but lacked a centralized executive or judicial branch.
• 💰 Congress had no power to tax; states decided their own taxes, leading to financial difficulties for the national government.
• 🔄 The lack of a strong national government resulted in conflicts between states over commerce and other issues.
• 😡 Shays’ Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles and the need for a stronger federal government.
• 🗳️ The Philadelphia Convention in 1787 aimed to revise the Articles but ultimately led to the drafting of the United States Constitution.
• 📝 The Constitution, ratified by all original 13 states by 1790, addressed the flaws of the Articles by creating a more centralized government.
• ⚙️ Key lessons from the Articles included the necessity of a checks and balances system and the importance of a government that could adapt over time.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the gathering in Philadelphia in July 1776?

The primary purpose was to ratify the Declaration of Independence.

Who drafted the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson, with assistance from Ben Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.

What document served as America's first governing framework?

The Articles of Confederation served as America's first governing framework before the Constitution.

When were the Articles of Confederation ratified?

The Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781, although they were used as the de facto system of government starting in late 1777.

What was a significant flaw of the Articles of Confederation?

A significant flaw was the lack of a centralized national government, which led to issues such as inter-state conflicts and inability to impose taxes.

Who led the rebellion against the Massachusetts state government in 1786?

Daniel Shays, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War, led the rebellion known as Shays’ Rebellion.

What major event prompted the Philadelphia Convention in May 1787?

Shays’ Rebellion and the recognition of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation prompted the Philadelphia Convention to revise the governing framework.

Which prominent figures contributed to the drafting of the United States Constitution?

Key figures included James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and Thomas Jefferson.

What were some lessons learned from the Articles of Confederation that influenced the Constitution?

The framers recognized the need for a centralized and empowered national government, the ability to tax, a checks and balances system, and a document that could be amended.

Why was the issue of representation in Congress contentious during the Articles of Confederation period?

The issue was contentious because there were debates on whether representation should be based on state population or be equal among states, which reflected the larger tension between small and large states.