The Articles of Confederation are Submitted for Ratification

On November 17, 1777, the Continental Congress, convening at York, Pennsylvania, submitted the Articles of Confederation to the thirteen states for ratification. This pivotal document marked the official formation of the United States as a confederation of sovereign states, laying the foundational framework for the nation’s first government.

Context and Background

The push for a formalized national government emerged during a critical period in the American Revolutionary War. The Declaration of Independence in 1776 necessitated a unified structure to manage the war effort and diplomatic relations. A committee led by John Dickinson initially drafted the Articles in mid-1776, and extensive debates ensued to address concerns regarding state sovereignty and federal authority.

Key Provisions of the Articles

The Articles of Confederation established a “firm league of friendship” among states, focusing on their mutual defense and collective welfare. Key provisions included:

• Sovereignty and Independence: Each state retained its independence and powers not explicitly delegated to the Confederation.
• Unicameral Legislature: A single-chamber Congress, where each state had one vote regardless of size or population.
• Limited Central Authority: The national government had no executive branch or national judiciary, with powers mainly confined to foreign alliances, war, and currency matters.
• State Obligations: States were responsible for funding expenditures by levying their own taxes and contributing troops as needed.

Challenges and Implications

The Articles reflected the collective wariness of centralized authority prevalent among the colonies. However, this structure led to inherent weaknesses, such as:

• Lack of Taxation Power: The central government could not impose taxes, relying instead on voluntary contributions from states.
• No National Army or Navy: Congress could not maintain a standing military without state support.
• Trade and Interstate Issues: Congress lacked the authority to regulate interstate or international trade effectively, leading to economic disarray.

Ratification and Legacy

The ratification process for the Articles of Confederation required unanimous approval from all thirteen states, a goal not reached until March 1, 1781. Despite its shortcomings, the Articles served as a crucial stepping stone, providing a learning environment that eventually informed the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

The submission of the Articles for ratification signified an important step in the evolution of American governance, emphasizing the need for balance between state sovereignty and federal oversight, themes that continue to be integral to the United States’ constitutional framework.