what was the structure of the articles of confederation
The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, adopted in 1781 and in effect until 1789. They established a weak central government, reflecting the colonists' fear of creating a powerful authority after their experience with British rule. The structure of the Articles can be understood by examining its major features:
1. Structure of Government: The Articles established a unicameral Congress as the central governing body. Each state had one vote in Congress, regardless of its size or population. This structure aimed to maintain equality among the states but led to challenges in decision-making.
2. Powers of Congress: Congress had limited powers under the Articles. It could declare war, coin money, manage foreign affairs, and maintain an army, among other responsibilities. However, Congress was unable to directly tax citizens, regulate trade, or enforce its laws.
3. Weak Executive Branch: There was no separate executive branch in the Articles of Confederation. Instead, Congress appointed a president to preside over its meetings. The president had no real executive powers and served more as a moderator.
4. No Judicial Branch: The Articles lacked a national judiciary. Any disputes among states were resolved by state courts or through negotiation between the states.
5. Cooperation and Amendments: The Articles fostered cooperation between states, emphasizing mutual defense, the sharing of resources, and mutual recognition of legislative acts. Amendments to the Articles required the unanimous consent of all states, making it difficult to modify or adapt the governing structure.
6. Problems and Revisions: The weaknesses of the Articles became evident over time, as the central government struggled to maintain order and address national issues effectively. This led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, resulting in the creation of the United States Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation.
To study the structure of the Articles of Confederation in more detail, you can read the full text of the document and analyze historical documents and commentaries from that time period.