The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation: AP US History Study Guide

Hey, history enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the hilarious mix-up that was the Articles of Confederation? Think of it as America's first go at a national government—a bit like assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions. Sure, it had some pieces missing, but it set the scene for the much sturdier structure we call the U.S. Constitution. 🇺🇸🛠️

After winning independence from Great Britain, the United States had to figure out how to govern itself. To replace British colonial rule, the Second Continental Congress asked each state to create its own state constitution. This was a bit like asking everyone to bring their best dish to a potluck, where some brought their grandmother's secret recipe while others managed instant noodles.

Before the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a committee from this Congress whipped up the Articles of Confederation, America’s very first constitution. It established a loose confederation of states, where Uncle Sam was more like a distant cousin with very limited powers. The Articles allowed the central government to handle foreign relations and trade between states, but it couldn't tax anyone (like being expected to pay the dinner bill without any cash) or regulate commerce. Each state retained most of its independence, making the central government as weak as overcooked spaghetti. 🍝

Boy, did the Articles of Confederation have issues. Here’s a rundown of why this first attempt at government was more like a comedy of errors:

• No Power to Levy Taxes: The government was always short of money, much like a college student before payday.
• No Power to Regulate Trade: Quarrels broke out among states like siblings fighting over the remote control, making international trade tougher than a two-dollar steak.
• No Power to Enforce Laws: The government depended on states for law enforcement, much like a teacher relying on students to enforce their own classroom rules (good luck with that!).
• Approval Needed from 9/13 States to Enact Laws: Passing laws was as easy as herding cats because of constant state disagreements.
• Unanimous Approval Needed to Amend the Articles: Changing anything was impossible, kind of like getting a group of friends to agree on where to eat.
• No Executive Branch: Without a central leader, coordinating government activities was like organizing a flash mob with no internet.
• No National Court System: Settling disputes among states was tricky without Judge Judy to lay down the law.

Believe it or not, the Articles weren’t all bad. They did manage a couple of slam dunks:

• The Land Ordinance of 1785: This act allowed the federal government to sell western lands to pay off national debt and organize these lands into townships and public schools. Imagine America as a broke homeowner who suddenly finds out they have a treasure trove of vintage collectibles in their attic.
  1. This move was savvy, setting a precedent for public funding of schools. 📚
  2. The government surveyed lands into townships, which enterprising settlers could purchase and develop.
• The Northwest Ordinance of 1787: This act set the process for new states to join the Union, ensuring America wouldn't remain a baker’s dozen.
  1. Congress appointed territorial governors and judges.
  2. Once a territory reached 5,000 voting residents (yes, only white males got to vote at the time), they could draft a temporary constitution and elect local leaders.
  3. When the population hit 60,000 free inhabitants, the territory could write a state constitution, which allowed for statehood without slavery. This process was a precursor to westward expansion and state equality.

Enter stage right: Daniel Shays and his band of merry, disgruntled farmers. Shays was a Revolutionary War vet who, like many, returned to a pile of debt and the threat of losing his farm. Feeling as mistreated as a cat at a dog lovers’ convention, he and his followers protested high taxes, debt, and evictions.

The peak came in early 1787 when Shays’s men tried to seize weapons from the Springfield Armory. The rebellion was eventually squashed by the state militia, but it exposed the glaring weaknesses of the Articles—namely, how the government couldn’t handle economic crises or maintain order. Shays’ Rebellion was the final nail in the coffin for the Articles, highlighting the need for a stronger central government that could actually, well, govern.

• Amendments to the Articles: Adjustments made to the original Articles—like trying to patch a leaking boat with duct tape.
• Approval for Enactment of Laws: Proposed bills needed to be okayed by both House and Senate before a presidential thumbs-up.
• Central Government: The national government, kind of like the main office in a school responsible for big-picture decisions.
• Congress: The national legislative body, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, like the superheroes of legislation (minus the capes).
• Shay's Rebellion: An uprising led by Daniel Shays in 1786-1787, protesting high taxes and economic hardship. Think of it as the original farmers' market riot.
• Land Ordinance of 1785: Federal law allowing the sale and setup of western lands—think real estate moguls who also cared about public schooling.

And there you have it! The Articles of Confederation were like the first draft of a term paper—full of holes but a necessary step towards the final, polished version. The weaknesses revealed by Shay's Rebellion and other issues led to the U.S. Constitution, a sturdier framework that could support the young nation’s growing pains.

Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to ace your AP US History exam. Remember, even the flops in history make fantastic stories—and valuable lessons. Happy studying, future history-makers! 📚✨