Submission of Articles of Confederation for Ratification

November 17th, 1777

November 17th, 1777

Submission of Articles of Confederation for Ratification
How Long Ago?

247 years, 3 months, 26 days ago

Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Category

Politics & Government

War/Conflict

American Revolutionary War

People
  • Thomas Jefferson
  • George Washington
  • John Dickinson
  • Benjamin Franklin
Links & References
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Submission of Articles of Confederation for Ratification

The Articles of Confederation were submitted to the states for ratification by the Continental Congress after being drafted. This pivotal document served as the first constitution of the United States, outlining the framework of government and the powers it would wield. Delegates prepared the document to provide a unified structure to govern the newly independent states while addressing concerns about sovereignty and federal authority. The submission marked a significant step in American governance and identity as they sought to articulate their vision for a collaborative nation.

First governing document of the U.S.

Drafted by John Dickinson and others.

Limited power of the national government.

Set the stage for the U.S. Constitution.

What Happened?

The Continental Congress, seeking to unite the thirteen colonies under a common framework of governance, presented the Articles of Confederation to the individual states for ratification on November 17, 1777. Drafted by a committee led by John Dickinson, the Articles were intended to be a response to the need for a structured government during and after the American Revolutionary War. They aimed to balance state sovereignty with the need for a central authority, addressing the challenges posed by British rule and potential inter-colonial conflicts.

The Articles outlined the powers and responsibilities of the national government, which would have authority over foreign affairs, military matters, and interactions between states. However, significant limitations were also placed on Congress, such as the inability to levy taxes or regulate commerce directly, which was a reflection of the colonies' wariness of centralized power reminiscent of the British monarchy.

Once submitted, the Articles incited debate among the states, with some embracing the framework while others were concerned about yielding too much power to a national government. The ratification process ultimately took until 1781, but the initial submission was a significant moment in forming a cohesive national identity. Each state held varying perspectives on the balance of power between state and federal governance, which set the stage for ongoing discussions regarding the future of the American political system.

Why Does it Matter?

The submission of the Articles of Confederation is notable for being the first attempt at a national governance framework for the United States, despite its limitations. The challenges experienced during the ratification and operation of the Articles highlighted the weaknesses in the structure of government, leading to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where the current U.S. Constitution was drafted. This transition marked a foundational shift in American governance, shaping the balance of power that persists today.

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