Who has more power under the Articles of Confederation? This question has been a topic of debate among historians and political scientists for centuries. The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States, but it also led to a weak central government and numerous challenges in maintaining a unified nation. In this article, we will explore the distribution of power under the Articles of Confederation and determine which entity held more authority: the national government or the state governments.
The Articles of Confederation established a loose confederation of states, with the national government having limited powers. The national government was primarily responsible for foreign affairs, such as declaring war and conducting diplomacy. However, it lacked the authority to regulate trade, impose taxes, or enforce its decisions on the states. This imbalance of power was a direct result of the founders’ fear of tyranny, as they had just fought a revolutionary war against a powerful central government.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government was composed of a unicameral legislature known as the Congress. The Congress had the power to make war, negotiate treaties, and appoint ambassadors. However, its ability to enforce its decisions was severely limited. The Congress could pass resolutions and recommendations, but it had no power to compel the states to comply. This lack of enforcement power was a significant factor in the weakness of the national government.
On the other hand, the state governments held considerable power under the Articles of Confederation. Each state retained its sovereignty and operated independently, with its own constitution and government. The states had the authority to regulate trade, impose taxes, and maintain their own armed forces. This extensive power allowed the states to govern their internal affairs without interference from the national government.
One of the most notable examples of state power under the Articles of Confederation was the New York Convention of 1786. This convention was called to address the financial crisis facing the national government, which was unable to pay its debts or provide for the common defense. The convention resulted in the Annapolis Convention, which led to the calling of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. This event highlighted the limitations of the national government and the need for a stronger central authority.
In conclusion, under the Articles of Confederation, the state governments held more power than the national government. The national government’s limited authority, coupled with the states’ sovereignty, created a weak central government that struggled to maintain a unified nation. This imbalance of power ultimately led to the drafting and adoption of the United States Constitution, which established a more robust federal government with a balance of power between the national and state governments. The question of who has more power under the Articles of Confederation can be answered by stating that the state governments held a greater share of power, but this arrangement proved to be unsustainable for the young nation.
