The ARTICLES of CONFEDERATION, Explained [AP Government Foundational Documents]

Introduction to the Articles00:00:00

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States. It established a 'confederation' where thirteen states united under a central government but maintained significant power, reflecting a deep fear of centralized tyranny.

State Sovereignty and Legislative Structure00:01:08

Article 2 explicitly stated that states retained sovereignty, freedom, and independence. The federal government consisted only of a unicameral legislative branch with no executive or judicial powers, and each state held exactly one vote regardless of size.

Limitations and Lack of Federal Power00:02:12

The federal government was severely restricted, lacking the power to tax or raise a national army. It relied on states for military support and required a difficult supermajority of nine states to pass major legislation like declarations of war.

The Impossibility of Amendment00:03:26

Article 13 required the unanimous consent of all thirteen states to amend the document, making it virtually impossible to reform. These fundamental flaws in the system led directly to the 1787 Constitutional Convention.