Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of United States of America after its independence from Great Britain. It united the thirteen states that had fought for the American cause in the American Revolution. It was enforced from Nov 15, 1777. It declared United States of America to be a confederation. The states ruled by a weak central government were made to be sovereign in most of the aspects (Jensen 1940).
Discussion
Background
Articles of Confederation were a representation of cooperation among the states. This cooperation began with the Albany plan (USDS, 2013). The fear on the part of the states of curtailed powers did not make this plan successful. Neither the Albany plan nor the plan for union extended by the New York Provincial Congress in 1775 demanded a separation from the British Crown.
The desire of separation from the British Crown that resulted in the American Revolution was different from revolutions that happen in the world. Americans were not oppressed people. The American Revolution was the result of reason. The Americans were fully aware of the principles of government and freedom. Their awareness of law and politics had made them extremely sensitive towards theirs rights. Their enlightenment and thinking faculties made them demand liberty before it was actually required (Woods 1998). The Americans had difference from Great Britain on the point of taxation. AS a reaction to taxation laws Americans disguised as Indians destroyed the tea sent by East India Company. This events is called as the Boston Tea party of 1773. It promoted the ideals of American Revolution. The British crown in response to the Boston Tea party ended self-government in Massachusetts and placed it under the control of British army. These were the 'intolerable acts by the British parliament who also declared Congress as a traitor. Congress declared the United States of America to be a sovereign nation on July 4, 1776.
Drafting and Formulation
In the mid of 1776 the first draft of the Articles of confederation was presented in the Congress. On Nov 15, 1777 the Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Congress. The states were asked, on Nov 17, 1777, to take an action with regards t the Articles of confederation. In the beginning of 1781, the process of approval and sanctioning was completed by all the states. Although the Articles gave many important powers to the central government with respect to legislation ...
