Articles of confederation
...ence had strengthened support of the idea that “all men are created equal”, this was a key concept in the beliefs of the republican system, that all men should have an equal opportunity to succeed in life. The states soon began to create new constitutions which, unlike the English one, would be written down and limit the power of the executive. These constitutions were completed by late 1776 but were revised in the 1770’s due to a concern in their stability. America also needed a national government. Congress hired a committee to draft a plan of union for the 13 states; this plan was adopted in 1781 as the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation loosely unified the states; the states were all in a sense small, sovereign, and independent nations (Each state still had its own constitution). “Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled”, (Doc 4). Congress was to be the central institution of national authority, having the power to conduct wars, deal with foreign nations, issue money, etc. Yet it did not have the right o levy taxes or regulate trade. Shortly after put into action, the Articles of Confederation showed signs of weakness. It was never a very reliable form of government, lacking in the ability to solve problems between the states as well as settle international issues. It was not respected by Great Britain, who did not follow the terms of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. It had also put itself into a large debt due to the war and had to impose a “Continental Impost” (5% duty on imported goods) (p.185) to pay for it. The Americans were upset by this and it eventually led to Shays rebellion Despite these failures, it did achieve a few relatively successful accomplishments. The greatest achievement of the confederation had ...