The ARTICLES of CONFEDERATION [APUSH Review Unit 3 Topic 7 (3.7)] Period 3: 1754-1800

Summary

In this episode of Heimler's History, we explore the Articles of Confederation, America's first constitution, ratified in 1781. It was heavily influenced by state constitutions, focusing power in the legislative branch to ensure government accountability to the people. The Articles lacked an executive branch and a national supreme court, making it rigid and difficult to amend. Key legislation under the Articles included the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which abolished slavery in the Northwest Territory and provided a path to statehood. However, economic struggles and events like Shays's Rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger federal government, leading to discussions about drafting a new Constitution.

Takeaways

• 📜 The United States' first Constitution was the Articles of Confederation, which was ratified in 1781.
• 🏛️ The Articles of Confederation was heavily influenced by state constitutions, emphasizing legislative power.
• 🌐 There was no executive branch or president, and no national supreme court under the Articles of Confederation.
• ⚖️ Each state had one vote in the legislature and veto power over changes to the Articles, requiring a super-majority for amendments.
• 🚫 The Articles were rigid and difficult to change, reflecting a fear of centralized power post-independence.
• 🌳 The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was a significant law under the Articles, promoting public education and abolishing slavery in the Northwest Territory.
• 🏘️ The Northwest Ordinance provided a process for western territories to gain population and apply for statehood.
• 💸 Economic hardships, particularly for farmers, led to issues like Shays's Rebellion, highlighting the Articles' inadequacies.
• 🛡️ Shays's Rebellion underscored the lack of a strong federal government to respond to crises, as there was no president or federal army.
• 🔄 The realization of the Articles' flaws led to discussions about drafting a new Constitution to replace it.

Q & A

What was the first constitution of the United States known as?

The first constitution of the United States was known as the Articles of Confederation.

Why was a new constitution needed after the Declaration of Independence from Britain?

A new constitution was needed to organize political authority in the newly independent states.

How did the Articles of Confederation influence the distribution of power within the government?

The Articles of Confederation placed power primarily in the legislative branch, reflecting the influence of state constitutions that focused political power in the legislature.

What was the role of the legislative branch in the government under the Articles of Confederation?

The legislative branch was responsible for making laws, and it was directly answerable to the states and the people.

Why did the framers of the Articles of Confederation avoid creating a strong executive branch?

They wanted to avoid the concentration of power in one person, reminiscent of the monarchy they had just separated from.

What was significant about the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 under the Articles of Confederation?

The Northwest Ordinance promoted public education, protected private property, abolished slavery in the Northwest Territory, and provided a process for unorganized territories to achieve statehood.

What economic issues faced American farmers after the Revolutionary War, leading to discontent?

Many farmers had fallen into debt during the war and struggled to repay it due to inflation and new taxes, leading to widespread discontent.

Who was Daniel Shays and why is he significant in the context of the Articles of Confederation?

Daniel Shays was a farmer who led a rebellion of angry farmers in Massachusetts. His rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, as there was no federal government or army to respond effectively.

What was the immediate response of the Massachusetts government to the threat posed by Shays' Rebellion?

The Massachusetts government sought federal assistance to quell the rebellion, but due to the lack of a strong federal government under the Articles, they had to rely on their own militia.

What was the ultimate outcome of Shays' Rebellion and its impact on the Articles of Confederation?

Shays' Rebellion was suppressed, but it demonstrated the need for a stronger central government, leading to discussions about drafting a new Constitution.