Articles Of Confederation Dbq Essay

There is no denying that the Articles of Confederation, the first written form of government in the United States, was an important aspect of this nations history. The articles were ratified on March 1, 1781 and they served as the basis for the formation of the Constitution and provided some, but not enough framework for adequate organization of United States. Although, it accomplished and lead to multiple advances in the U.S government, it’s ability to act as an effective government failed.

Under the Articles of Confederation there was one house body of delegates with each state having only one vote no matter the size or population. There was no president, nor judiciary, but the states, acting collectively made decisions upon issues. For a

State’s permission was needed to collect taxes which presented an issue. The major shortfall of the Articles was the basic inability to deal with the foreign policy which was presented in John Jay’s writing of 1785. Great Britain refused to vacate its outposts, like Fort Niagara, and wouldn’t leave after the war until the United States compensated the Loyalists for land taken during the war. The Confederation Congress did not have the power to do this. (Doc D). With the little power they possessed they were able to accomplish a few significant things. They managed to win the revolutionary war. They gained control of Ohio and proceeded to claim surrendered land north of the Ohio river from the Indians. The Northwest Ordinance of 1789 that followed was probably the most significant achievement under the Articles of Confederation. What it did was, it began the process to create 5 new states, all located around the Great Lakes. It acknowledged that a treaty must be established with the Indians, and most importantly the ordinance outlawed slavery in all

It also made made it clear that a balance must be reached with the amount of power entrusted in the people and the government. Too much democratic liberty among the lower classes threatened private property and overall development of the country. Too much democratic power entrusted in the government leads to instability within the country’s social, economic, and political structure. The first attempt to change the Articles of confederation occurred in Annapolis, Maryland in 1786. It’s focus was geared towards trade and it’s rules/restrictions. Due to the pathetic turnout of only 6 representatives it became clear that the limitations of the Articles of Confederation were crippling the development of the new country. In 1787 delegates gathered in Philadelphia in hopes to revise the Articles of Confederation. What ended up happening were not minor revisions or tweaks, a completely new charter of the government was drafted, now known as the Constitution. These changes brought fear to some, such as Rawlin Lowndes. He debated the adoption of the federal constitution, suggesting “Would it not be better to add strength to the old Confederation, instead of hastily adopting another” (Doc H). John Jay also doubted the creation of the constitution and suggested revisions to the articles, “What I most fear is , that the better kind of people....will be led by insecurity of property, the loss