U.S. History Collection
Daniel Shays's Rebellion

The Articles of Confederation

The Continental Congress ratified the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, in November 1777. Under the Articles of Confederation, the states maintained considerable independence, while the national government had limited powers. In addition, representatives from 9 of the 13 states had to approve a bill before it became law, and all 13 states had to agree to change an existing law. The states, which had just freed themselves from an abusive monarch, were not eager to relinquish their power to a new and potentially powerful national government.

Cover page of the Articles of Confederation.

"Click to read a description of the cover page 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. Williamsburg: Printed by J. Dixon and W. Hunter. M, D C C, L X X V I I I."

Under the Articles of Confederation

the national government could:

the national government could not:
  • Declare war
  • Appoint military officers
  • Sign treaties
  • Make alliances
  • Appoint foreign ambassadors
  • Manage relations with Native Americans
  • Draft soldiers
  • Regulate trade
  • Impose taxes
  • Impose one national currency

Any power that was not explicitly granted to the national government was reserved by the states.

National events over the next decade soon proved that there were major problems with the Articles of Confederation. As you learn more about these events and the Articles of Confederation, consider this essential question:

Essential Question

How did Shays’s Rebellion expose the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and lead to the creation of the U.S. Constitution?

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