Study Aid: The Articles of Confederation

Deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation

  • No separate executive branch to carry out the laws of Congress
  • No national judiciary to handle offenses against the central government’s laws or to settle disputes between states
  • Congress did not have the power to levy taxes
  • Congress could not regulate interstate and foreign commerce
  • The states as well as Congress had the power to coin money
  • Congress could not support an army or navy and was dependent on state militias
  • Nine states had to approve every law
  • Amendment of the Articles required unanimous consent

Metadata

Era: The New Nation, 1783-1815
Sub Era: Creating a New Government
Theme: Economics, Government and Civics
Curriculum Subject: Economics, Government and Civics
Grade Level: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Coverage Events: Articles of Confederation

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