Did you know America’s first government failed?
The Articles of Confederation, the nation’s initial attempt at self-rule, sought to preserve state autonomy and prevent tyranny. John Dickinson drafted the Articles between 1776 and 1777, and the Continental Congress adopted them on November 15, 1777. However, their weaknesses soon became evident, and they remained in effect only until 1788. The loose alliance of states failed to provide stability or effective governance. Despite these flaws, the Articles served as a crucial stepping stone to the Constitution, which established a stronger and lasting framework for the nation.
Thirteen Independent States
After the Revolutionary War, the thirteen colonies emerged as independent states, each with its own interests. Wary of centralized authority, they had fought to free themselves from British rule and resisted a strong national government. Larger states like Virginia and New York pursued territorial ambitions, while smaller states such as Rhode Island feared domination by their more powerful neighbors. Meanwhile, European powers stood ready to exploit any sign of weakness or division.
The Articles of Confederation attempted to balance these competing interests by forming a loose alliance. While this arrangement provided mutual support and preserved state sovereignty, it ultimately failed to unify the nation.
Why the Articles Failed
The Articles' greatest weakness lay in the lack of central authority. The Continental Congress could not enforce laws, raise revenue, or compel states to contribute funds. Burdened with war debt and unable to levy taxes, the government had no means to pay creditors or maintain stability.
This lack of power extended to national defense. British troops remained in American territory after the war, but the Confederation government, unable to raise a standing army, lacked the strength to assert sovereignty. Economic tensions further strained the system. States imposed tariffs on one another, stifling commerce and deepening divisions. In seeking to avoid tyranny, the states had instead created dysfunction.
The Path to a Stronger Union
By the late 1780s, it was clear that the Articles of Confederation were inadequate. The federal government lacked the power to tax, coordinate state interests, or defend the nation. Without a unified economic or military policy, the country remained vulnerable and disorganized.
Recognizing these failures, leaders drafted the Constitution, which struck a balance between federal and state authority. It granted the central government the power to tax, regulate commerce, and maintain an army—essential functions the Articles had failed to provide.
The Articles of Confederation, though flawed, played a vital role in shaping the nation’s political evolution. They reflected the young republic’s desire for liberty but also highlighted the necessity of a stronger, more functional union. Their failure was not the end of the American experiment, but the foundation for a more enduring government—one that would preserve both independence and stability under the Constitution.