AP US History Andrew Ahn
Thoma Campbell Hall
Block G 10/18/07
Articles of Confederation DBQ
Breaking off from the English monarchy, the colonists of the new American nation needed a new government. As a replacement of the old monarchy, the Articles of Confederation was drafted in 1777 and ratified in 1781. Although the Articles contributed to the shaping of our modern day Constitution, it is inaccurate to say that the Articles provided an effective government from 1781-1789. The main fault in the Articles was the lack of central power; an effective government has control and power over its nation. The inadequacy of power in government led to huge problems in the new economy and many issues with foreign relationships. By the start of the 1780's, it was clear that the Articles needed to be radically changed.
United as the "League of Friendship," the United States had no central government (Carnes).
The Articles of Conferderation, ratified in 1781. ...
Act of Maryland legislature to ratify Articles of ...
The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781. T...The second article of the document limited the power of the Congress because "each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence" (Carnes). Thus the Congress has no right to impose itself upon the independent but "united" states. Having just survived a war, America was suffering immense debt and needed to revive the damaged economy. But having no right to impose taxes on the states, Congress' requests for funds were ignored or only partially met (Thoma). After requesting funds from Rhode Island in 1782, Congress was rejected because the Rhode Island Assembly believed that giving money to the central government was "repugnant to the liberty of the United States (Document A). The combination of a weak government and failing economy personally affected individuals and veterans who have lent money during the war or served in the army (Carnes). The veterans and creditors recognized the "inability of Congress to pay their demands"...