The Articles of Confederation Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
The Articles of Confederation involved several key individuals and groups.
1. Founding Fathers: Prominent American leaders such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams were involved in the drafting and approval of the Articles of Confederation. They were influenced by their experiences during the American Revolution and aimed to create a system of government that would protect individual liberties while maintaining a balance of power among the states.
2. Continental Congress: The Continental Congress, which consisted of representatives from the thirteen original states, played a crucial role in the creation and adoption of the Articles of Confederation. The Congress debated and ratified the Articles in 1781, making it the first constitution of the United States.
3. State Governments: The state governments were directly affected by the Articles of Confederation as it established a loose confederation among the thirteen states. The Articles granted significant powers to the states, including the power to maintain militias, coin money, and regulate commerce, while limiting the authority of the federal government. However, the lack of a strong central government also led to numerous challenges in coordination and decision-making.
4. American Citizens: The Articles of Confederation impacted every American citizen during this period. The lack of a strong federal government hindered the ability to manage national issues effectively, such as debt, international relations, and interstate trade. The limited powers given to Congress and the absence of a national court system also had consequences on governance and the administration of justice.
5. Foreign Nations: Foreign nations, particularly European powers, were also involved and affected by the Articles of Confederation. The confederation lacked a unified foreign policy, making it difficult for the United States to negotiate treaties, secure trade agreements, and establish diplomatic relations with other countries. This weakened position on the international stage influenced foreign perceptions of the American government's stability and reliability.