Articles of Confederation Strengths and Weaknesses — Reading Comprehension

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States from 1781 to 1789. The thirteen original states agreed to this plan after winning independence from Britain. The Articles created a government that reflected the colonists’ fear of a strong central authority. Instead, most power was given to the individual states. This decision caused both benefits and serious problems for the new country.

One of the main strengths of the Articles was its ability to unite the colonies during the Revolutionary War. The states acted together to defeat Great Britain, showing a spirit of cooperation. Under the Articles, Congress could declare war, make peace, and sign treaties. For example, the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the Revolutionary War, was negotiated by this government. The Articles also set up a plan for adding new states through the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. This law created a system for settling and governing western lands, showing that the national government could manage important tasks.

However, the weaknesses of the Articles quickly became clear. The national government could not collect taxes directly from citizens. Instead, it relied on the states to provide money. Frequently, states refused, leaving Congress unable to pay soldiers or settle debts. The government also lacked the power to regulate trade between the states. This led to economic competition and arguments. As George Washington wrote in a letter, "We are one nation today and thirteen tomorrow. Who will treat with us on such terms?" This quote shows the confusion and lack of unity caused by a weak central government.

Another major problem was that each state, no matter its size, had one vote in Congress. Passing important laws required approval from nine of the thirteen states, making it difficult to get things done. Changes to the Articles needed every state to agree. This made reform nearly impossible. Some leaders, like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, argued that the system was too weak to protect the nation’s interests. Others feared any stronger government might threaten the independence they had just won.

Ordinary Americans experienced both advantages and disadvantages under the Articles. Many local farmers and merchants liked having more control over their own affairs. However, when economic troubles hit, such as during Shays’ Rebellion in 1786, the national government could not help. This uprising of farmers in Massachusetts exposed the inability of Congress to keep order or respond to crises.

Despite its many flaws, the Articles of Confederation were a crucial experiment. They reflected the ideals of liberty and independence, but also showed that a balance between state and national power was necessary. The problems under the Articles led directly to the calling of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. There, delegates debated and created a stronger government under the U.S. Constitution, learning from the mistakes of the past.

The story of the Articles of Confederation teaches us that governments must adapt to meet the needs of their people. While the Articles failed in many ways, they helped shape the nation’s future by highlighting the importance of unity and effective government.

Interesting Fact: The Articles of Confederation were so weak that the United States had no official president or national court system under its first government.

What year did the Articles begin?

Who wrote about the nation's confusion?

Which law governed western lands?

Why couldn't Congress collect taxes?

What happened during Shays’ Rebellion?

Why did some fear a strong government?

The Articles created a strong central government. True or false?

What does 'cooperation' mean in the passage?