Weaknesses Of The Articles Of Confederation

Overcoming the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

The United States constitution overcame the weakness of the Articles of Confederation and provided for the organization of the new government. After the American Revolutionary War in America, the colonist needed a government so no one could take away their power. Continental Congress adopted the Articles in 1777 and later ratified then in 1781. Two main focuses under the Constitutional Convention was representation and voting. The Debate over the Constitution was mainly over making a stronger government. Nine states had to ratify for the Constitution to go in effect, not all agreed with the ratification. The United States Government overcame the weakness of the Articles of Convention

Independant states voluntarily came together with the same purpose of independance. A huge chunk of the power gained from the Articles went to the states. The states held their “freedom, independence, and sovereignty”. Under the government there was one branch that was the unicameral legislature. In order for the Articles to be amended, all thirteen states had to agree on the Articles. In order for a law to be passed nine of the states had to agree with the law. Congress has limits such as they could not regulate trade, enforce laws, and collect taxes. Under the Land Ordinance of 1785 land was divided into six square mile townships that consisted of one square mile properties. In every six square mile township, one one mile square was set aside for a school. Slavery was banned and settlers were guaranteed basic rights under the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set up a three step process for the beginning states. It went from the states having a chunk of power to figuring out who really has power and who represents the

Each state held a convention to ratify the Constitution. A total of nine states had to ratify the Constitution in order for it to go into effect. When the Constitution was first brought to light, not everyone agreed that it deserved to be ratified. The federalists favored a strong government. In favoring a strong government, the federalists felt that for the Union to last, the government had to be strong. Central government did not have the power the federalists wish it would have had under the Articles. Due to the constitution, the central government was too strong in the eyes of the anti-federalists. The Constitution didn’t provide any power for the states and individual freedom. Anti-federalists were scared that if a president was reelected, he would act more like a king. Many people's ideas contributed on the Debate Over the