Difference between revisions of "Articles of Confederation"
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| − | The Articles of Confederation, ratified by the colonies March 1, 1781, was the first written constitution of the United States. Signed by Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and other [[ | + | The Articles of Confederation, ratified by the colonies March 1, 1781, was the first written constitution of the United States. Signed by Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and other future [[Framers]] of the [[U.S. Constitution]], the Articles sought to bind together the thirteen colonies into a loose confederation. |
The new national government had no power to impose taxes, and thus had little funds. The government was also unable to settle quarrels among the colonies. Though largely ineffective, the Articles did accomplish one noteworthy thing: [[The Northwest Ordinance]]. | The new national government had no power to impose taxes, and thus had little funds. The government was also unable to settle quarrels among the colonies. Though largely ineffective, the Articles did accomplish one noteworthy thing: [[The Northwest Ordinance]]. | ||
Revision as of 01:01, March 3, 2007
The Articles of Confederation, ratified by the colonies March 1, 1781, was the first written constitution of the United States. Signed by Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and other future Framers of the U.S. Constitution, the Articles sought to bind together the thirteen colonies into a loose confederation.
The new national government had no power to impose taxes, and thus had little funds. The government was also unable to settle quarrels among the colonies. Though largely ineffective, the Articles did accomplish one noteworthy thing: The Northwest Ordinance.
The Articles of Confederation invoked spiritual guidance:
- Whereas the delegates of the United States of America in Congress assembled did on the fifteenth day of November in the Year of Our Lord 1777, and in the second year of the independence of America agree on certain Articles of Confederation and perpetual union between the States ...
- The said states hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, against all force ... or attacks made upon them ... on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other pretense. ...
- It has pleased the Great Governor of the World to incline the hearts of the Legislatures we respectively represent in Congress, to approve of and to authorize us to ratify the said Articles of Confederation.