The Articles of Confederation DBQ Following the American Revolution, the newly created United States was in need of a government. The first attempt at a national government was known as the Articles of Confederation. Although it was only short-lived, the Articles represented an important step in the development of America’s government. The following question is based on the documents provided. As you analyze the documents, take into account both the source of the document and the author’s point of view. Answer the questions using your own words – avoid using only direct quotations. Document 1: Articles of Confederation The ARTICLES of CONFEDERATION and PERPETUAL UNION Between The States Of New Hampshire, Massachusetts-bay Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. ARTICLE I The Stile of this Confederacy shall be "The United States of America". II Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled. sovereignty=governmental power delegated=given 1. According to Document 1, what rights and powers do the states have under the Articles of Confederation? Document 2: Letter from John Jay to George Washington, 1786 “…Our affairs now are seeming to lead to some crisis, some revolution – something that I cannot foresee or conjecture. I am uneasy and apprehensive; more so than during the war in 1775. At least then we had a fixed object, and though the means and time of obtaining it were often problematic, I did firmly believe we would ultimately succeed, because I was convinced that justice was with us. The case is now different; we are going and doing wrong, and therefore I look forward to the evils and calamities, since I am not able to guess at the instrument, nature, or measure of them. 2. What war is being referred to in the second line? 3. What are the differences about how the situation is going now versus how it was going during the war? Explain in your own words. Document 3: Letter from George Washington to a friend, 1783 “The consequences of … an inefficient government are too obvious to be dwelt upon. Thirteen separate sovereignties pulling against each other, and all tugging at the federal head, will soon bring ruin upon the whole. . . . Let us have government by which our lives, liberty, and property will be secured or let us know the worst at once.” 4. According to Washington, what would happen to the nation if it stayed a confederation? Why will this happen? Document 4: Letter from Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1787 “I hold it true that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.” 5. How does Jefferson feel about rebellions? 6. How does Jefferson think those who rebel should be punished? Why? Document 5 The Articles of Confederation No chief executive or national courts Laws need approval of 9 of the 13 states Congress could: Congress could NOT Declare war and make peace Levy (charge) taxes Raise a defense force Regulate trade Make foreign treaties and alliances Settle disputes among states Coin and borrow money Collect state debts owed to it Establish a post office Enforce any of its powers 7. Looking at the list above, why did some Americans feel that the Articles of Confederation was not sufficient for the new nation? Think of at least three reasons.
