The Articles Of Confederation Worksheet

Introducing the Articles of Confederation Worksheet, an in-depth exploration into the formative document that laid the groundwork for the United States government. This comprehensive resource delves into the historical context, structure, weaknesses, and significance of this pivotal document, providing a profound understanding of its impact on American history.

The Articles of Confederation, drafted in 1777 and ratified in 1781, served as the first governing document of the newly formed United States. This worksheet unravels the key provisions, principles, and challenges faced by this document, shedding light on its role in shaping the nation’s constitutional framework.

Historical Context of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States of America. They were drafted in response to the need for a more effective central government under which the newly independent states could cooperate. The Articles were ratified in 1781 and remained in effect until 1789, when they were replaced by the U.S.

Constitution.

The key events and figures involved in the drafting and ratification of the Articles include:

The Declaration of Independence (1776): This document declared the American colonies’ independence from Great Britain and established the United States as a sovereign nation.
The Articles of Confederation (1777): This document was drafted by the Continental Congress and established the framework for the new central government.
The Ratification of the Articles (1781): The Articles were ratified by all 13 states, making them the first constitution of the United States.

Structure and Provisions of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation established a very weak central government. The Congress was the only branch of government and it had very limited powers. It could not tax, regulate commerce, or raise an army. The states retained most of the power and they were often reluctant to cooperate with the central government.

The key provisions of the Articles of Confederation include:

A unicameral legislature called the Congress, which was composed of delegates from each state.
A weak executive branch, which was headed by a president who was elected by Congress.
A weak judicial branch, which was composed of a system of courts that were established by Congress.
A requirement that all laws be passed by a majority vote of the states.
A prohibition on the central government from taxing or regulating commerce.

Weaknesses and Limitations of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation had a number of weaknesses and limitations that hindered the effectiveness of the central government. These included:

The lack of a strong executive branch.
The lack of a national judiciary.
The requirement that all laws be passed by a majority vote of the states.
The prohibition on the central government from taxing or regulating commerce.

These weaknesses made it difficult for the central government to function effectively. It could not raise revenue, regulate commerce, or enforce its laws.

Comparison to the U.S. Constitution: The Articles Of Confederation Worksheet

The Articles of Confederation were replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789. The Constitution created a much stronger central government with a separate executive, legislative, and judicial branch. It also gave the central government the power to tax, regulate commerce, and raise an army.

The key differences between the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution include:

The Articles of Confederation established a unicameral legislature, while the Constitution established a bicameral legislature.
The Articles of Confederation created a weak executive branch, while the Constitution created a strong executive branch.
The Articles of Confederation created a weak judicial branch, while the Constitution created a strong judicial branch.
The Articles of Confederation required that all laws be passed by a majority vote of the states, while the Constitution allowed for laws to be passed by a majority vote of Congress.
The Articles of Confederation prohibited the central government from taxing or regulating commerce, while the Constitution gave the central government the power to tax and regulate commerce.

Historical Significance of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation were a significant step in the development of the United States government. They provided the framework for the first central government and they helped to establish the principle of federalism. However, the Articles also had a number of weaknesses that made it difficult for the central government to function effectively.

These weaknesses were eventually addressed by the U.S. Constitution, which created a much stronger central government.

Query Resolution

What was the primary weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation lacked a strong central government, leading to a weak and ineffective federal authority.

How did the Articles of Confederation differ from the U.S. Constitution?

The U.S. Constitution established a stronger central government, including an executive branch, a bicameral legislature, and a federal judiciary, while the Articles of Confederation created a loose confederation of states with limited federal powers.

What was the historical significance of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document of the United States, providing a framework for cooperation among the states during the American Revolution. It also laid the groundwork for the development of a more effective and enduring federal government under the U.S.