Focuses on the structure and significant weaknesses of America's first government, the Articles of Confederation, and the pivotal role of Shays' Rebellion in demonstrating its failures.
What was the fundamental structure of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?
It created a unicameral (one-house) Congress in which each state had one vote, regardless of its population. It lacked a national executive or judicial branch, creating a weak central government.
What was the most significant financial weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
The central government had no power to levy taxes. It could only request funds from the states, which were often unwilling or unable to contribute, leading to chronic underfunding and an inability to pay debts.
Why was the lack of a national executive branch a major problem under the Articles?
There was no single leader or entity to enforce laws passed by Congress or to conduct foreign policy effectively. This resulted in a lack of implementation and a unified national voice on the world stage.
How did the Articles of Confederation regulate commerce between states?
It didn't. The central government lacked the power to regulate interstate commerce. States often imposed tariffs on each other's goods, hindering economic development and creating internal conflict.
What voting requirement made passing laws difficult under the Articles of Confederation?
To pass any significant legislation, \(9\) out of the \(13\) states had to agree. Amending the Articles required a unanimous vote of all \(13\) states, making any changes nearly impossible.
What was Shays' Rebellion?
An armed uprising in Massachusetts (\(1786\)-\(1787\)) led by Daniel Shays. It consisted of indebted farmers protesting high taxes, foreclosures, and imprisonment for debt.
What was the primary significance of Shays' Rebellion?
It exposed the profound weakness of the Articles of Confederation. The national government was powerless to raise an army to quell the rebellion, highlighting the need for a stronger central government that could maintain order and stability.
How was the national military structured under the Articles of Confederation?
There was no standing national army. The central government could declare war but had to request soldiers from the states. This dependency on state militias was shown to be ineffective during Shays' Rebellion.
What was one major achievement of the Confederation Congress?
The Northwest Ordinance of \(1787\). This law established a process for new territories to become states on an equal footing with the original thirteen and also banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.
