Understanding the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, were the first governing document of the United States. They aimed to unify the thirteen states under a central government, but many weaknesses soon became evident. One major issue was related to the authority and powers granted to the federal government. As states began to operate more independently, it became clear that the Articles were insufficient to address various national challenges, including economic instability and interstate disputes.

The concerns about the limitations of the Articles of Confederation eventually led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where a new constitution was drafted. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles is crucial for grasping the evolution of American governance.