Table of ContentsI. The strong points of the Articles of ConfederationA. State sovereignty and local autonomyB. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787II. Weaknesses of the Articles of ConfederationA. Lack of central authorityB. Inadequate representation and decision-making III. The Impact of the Articles of ConfederationA. ShaysB's Rebellion. The Constitutional Convention and the Birth of a New NationThe Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States. This document emerged in the aftermath of the American Revolution, when the newly formed nation sought to establish a system of governance that would preserve hard-won freedoms and prevent the rise of a tyrannical central authority. However, although the Articles aimed to achieve these goals, they ultimately fell short due to their inherent weaknesses and inability to effectively address the challenges of the times. This essay will explore the Articles of Confederation through comprehensive analysis, highlighting their strengths and shortcomings, and examining their impact on the young American nation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayI. The strong points of the Articles of ConfederationA. State Sovereignty and Local Self-GovernmentThe Articles of Confederation emphasized the sovereignty of individual states, granting them significant autonomy in local governance. This arrangement was seen as crucial in preventing the consolidation of power in the hands of a central authority, thereby ensuring that states retained control of their internal affairs. This emphasis on state sovereignty fostered a sense of unity among states, as they were bound by a common goal while preserving their unique identity.B. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 One of the notable achievements of the Articles of Confederation was the passage of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. This legislation established a process for admitting new states into the Union, guaranteeing equal representation for these states and prohibiting slavery in the Northwest Territory. . The Northwest Ordinance laid the foundation for United States expansion, while also highlighting the Confederacy's potential to solve pressing problems related to territorial governance.II. Weaknesses of the Articles of ConfederationA. Lack of Central Authority The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government, which lacked the power to enforce laws or effectively regulate commerce. The Confederacy Congress lacked the power to raise taxes, leading to chronic financial difficulties and an inability to repay war debts. Moreover, the central government had no control over interstate commerce, which led to economic conflicts between states and hampered national economic growth.B. Inadequate Representation and Decision-Making Under the Articles of Confederation, each state had equal representation in the Confederation Congress, regardless of its population size. This arrangement led to an unbalanced balance of power, as smaller states held the same influence as larger ones. Additionally, decision-making required a unanimous vote among the states, making it difficult to pass laws or quickly resolve pressing issues. This inherent flaw has paralyzed government and hindered effective governance.III. The Impact of the Articles of ConfederationA. Shays' RebellionShays' Rebellion, which took place in Massachusetts in 1786, was.