Did You Know? Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States from 1781 to 1789, acting as a bridge between the Revolutionary Period and the establishment of the federal government under the US Constitution of 1787. They were designed to prevent the central government from overpowering the states, but their limitations, such as the inability to enforce financial or military contributions from states, rendered them ineffective. This experience informed the drafting of a more robust US Constitution.

What were the Articles of Confederation and when were they in effect?

What issues did the Articles of Confederation aim to address regarding the relationship between the national government and the states?

What powers were technically granted to Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

Why was it determined that a government managed by the Articles of Confederation would not be effective?

What lessons did the young United States learn from the Articles of Confederation when drafting the US Constitution?