The Articles of Confederation came into force on March 1, 1781, after ratification by all the states. A guiding principle of the Articles was to preserve the independence and sovereignty of the states.

July 12, 1776 – The first draft of the Articles of Confederation was presented to the Continental Congress. November 15, 1777 – The Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation. November 17, 1777 – The Articles of Confederation were submitted to the states with a request for immediate action.

The purpose of the central government according to the articles was: they had the power to declare war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors, and manage relations with Indians.

The purpose of the central government was clearly stated in the Articles. The Congress had control over diplomacy, printing money, resolving controversies between different states, and, most importantly, coordinating the war effort.

Terms in this set (13)

• Strength 1. Congress could declare war, and start an army and navy.
• Strength 2. They could make peace and sign treaties.
• Strength 3. They can borrow money.
• Strength 4. They can organize a post office.
• Weakness 1. They had no power to draft soldiers.
• Weakness 2.
• Weakness 3.
• Weakness 4.

Ultimately, the Articles of Confederation failed because they were crafted to keep the national government as weak as possible: There was no power to enforce laws. No judicial branch or national courts. Amendments needed to have a unanimous vote.

Specifically, the lack of a strong national government in the Articles of Confederation led to three broad limitations.

• Economic disorganization.
• Lack of central leadership.
• Legislative inefficiencies.

Terms in this set (7)

• Flaw: no Executive Branch of government.
• Flaw: new laws needed 9/13 states approval.
• Flaw: Congress had no power to tax the citizens.
• Flaw: all states had to agree to make amendments to the articles.
• Flaw: Congress had no power to draft soldiers into military service.

The primary advantage that the Articles of Confederation provided was its ability to maintain the independence and sovereignty of each state within the union. At the same time, the states could use the articles to band together, send ambassadors to other nations overseas, and handle territory issues.

Pros of the Articles of Confederation

• The United States Maintained It’s Independence.
• Americans Were Allowed To Move Around the Country Freely.
• Each State Could Have Its Own Level of Global Influence.
• There Was No Threat Of Political Polarization.
• Both Domestic and Foreign Trade Were Encouraged.