Understanding the Articles of Confederation: Foundations of American Governance

Introduction The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, represent a crucial moment in American history, marking the first formal framework for governance in the newly independent United States. This report aims to explore the structure, strengths, and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, as well as their impact on the formation of the United States government. By examining the historical context and the challenges faced by the Confederation, the report seeks to clarify how these early governing principles laid the foundation for the later development of the U.S. Constitution.

Main Body The Articles of Confederation arose in response to the need for a unifying structure to govern the thirteen colonies that had declared independence from Great Britain. The framers of the Articles were influenced by their experiences under British rule, which had emphasized a strong central authority that often infringed on local autonomy. Thus, the Articles were intentionally designed to create a decent