Why the ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION Failed [APUSH Review]

Understanding the Formation of State and Federal Governments

The Context of Government Formation

• The American Revolution has concluded, prompting the need for new state and federal governments in the United States.

• Each state drafted and ratified its own constitution post-independence, as there was no central government during the revolution aside from the Continental Congress.

Features of State Constitutions

• Virginia's constitution served as a template for others, including a bill of rights that protected freedoms such as press, elections, militias, and speedy trials.

• Most state constitutions limited voting rights to white male property owners due to beliefs about societal investment; only landowners were deemed trustworthy voters.

• With few exceptions like Vermont, state constitutions did not significantly address slavery; some states like Pennsylvania initiated gradual emancipation measures.

Power Dynamics in State Governments

• Most power was concentrated in legislatures rather than executives (governors), reflecting a desire to decentralize authority after experiencing British tyranny.

The Articles of Confederation

• In 1777, the Continental Congress created the Articles of Confederation as the first U.S. constitution but it proved ineffective due to its weak federal structure.

• The Articles reflected a fear of centralized power; thus, they established a federal government with minimal authority over states.

Achievements and Challenges Under the Articles

• One notable success was the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 which organized western territories and banned slavery while reserving land for schools.

• Despite limiting federal power to appease anti-centralization sentiments, significant governance issues arose under the Articles due to lack of executive power or taxation authority.

Revolutionary War Aftermath and the Struggles of the Articles of Confederation

Economic Challenges Post-Revolution

• The Revolutionary War led to Great Britain cutting off trade between the United States and the British West Indies, creating significant economic strain.

• Spain prohibited American trade ships from accessing the Mississippi River via Louisiana, further complicating trade routes.

• Pirates off North Africa attacked US merchant ships, highlighting the federal government's lack of a navy and centralized power to address these issues.

Federal Financial Issues

• The new Congress struggled to pay war debts due to a lack of taxing power under the Articles of Confederation; they had to request funds from states without authority.

• A proposed resolution in 1782 aimed to grant Congress a 5% tax on imported goods but failed due to opposition from Rhode Island and Virginia, showcasing another weakness in governance.

Interstate Commerce Problems

• States competed for economic gain by imposing tariffs on goods, which hampered free trade within the republic. The federal government lacked authority to resolve disputes over interstate commerce.

Foreign Relations Difficulties

• Despite losing the Revolutionary War, Great Britain maintained military presence in forts along the Western Frontier and supported Native American attacks against settlers, undermining US expansion efforts.

• The federal government was powerless under the Articles of Confederation to stop these violations or raise an army for defense purposes.

Internal Unrest: Shays' Rebellion

• Shays' Rebellion highlighted severe weaknesses in the Articles as unpaid veterans revolted against state authorities due to financial distress post-war. This rebellion demonstrated that Congress could not effectively respond or maintain order.

• The inability of the federal government to manage internal unrest raised fears about future rebellions and underscored an urgent need for a new constitution that could empower central governance effectively.