1993 APUSH DBQ Sample Essay

Prompt:

Evaluate the extent to which the Articles of Confederation provided an effective government for the United States.

Introduction:

The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, was the first constitution of the United States. While the Articles provided a framework for the new nation’s government, they also contained inherent weaknesses that hindered the effectiveness of the federal government. These limitations included a lack of a strong central government, the inability to raise taxes, and a lack of enforcement power. Despite some positive aspects, such as the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the Articles ultimately proved insufficient for managing the country’s economic and political challenges.

This essay will evaluate the extent to which the Articles of Confederation were effective in providing a government for the United States by analyzing its strengths and weaknesses in relation to governance, economic management, and foreign policy.

Body Paragraph 1: Governance under the Articles of Confederation

One of the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was its lack of a strong central government. Under the Articles, the national government consisted of a unicameral legislature, the Confederation Congress, which had very limited powers. The government had no executive branch to enforce laws and no judicial branch to interpret them, which resulted in an ineffective system for governance. For example, the Confederation Congress lacked the power to regulate trade between states, leading to economic disputes and trade imbalances. The lack of a central executive also made it difficult for the government to respond quickly to domestic unrest, such as Shays’ Rebellion in 1786. This rebellion, led by struggling Massachusetts farmers, exposed the inability of the national government to maintain order and protect citizens' rights under the Articles.

Body Paragraph 2: Economic Challenges

The Articles of Confederation also proved ineffective in managing the nation’s economy. The central government lacked the power to levy taxes, meaning it had no reliable source of revenue. This inability to collect taxes left the federal government financially weak and unable to address pressing national needs. For example, the Confederation Congress had to rely on voluntary contributions from the states, which were often insufficient. Additionally, the Articles did not provide a mechanism for regulating interstate commerce or establishing a national currency, resulting in economic chaos. Each state had its own currency, leading to inflation and currency devaluation. The inability to regulate trade, coupled with these economic problems, made it difficult for the fledgling nation to stabilize its economy and manage debt from the Revolutionary War.

Body Paragraph 3: Foreign Relations and Security

The Articles also hindered the United States’ ability to manage foreign relations effectively. Without a strong central government, the U.S. struggled to negotiate trade agreements or maintain diplomatic relations with foreign powers. The Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War, left unresolved issues between the United States and Great Britain, particularly regarding British military posts on American soil. Additionally, the Articles did not allow for the establishment of a standing army, leaving the country vulnerable to foreign threats. The U.S. was unable to effectively defend its borders, and the lack of unity among the states made it difficult to form a cohesive foreign policy. The absence of a strong, central authority made the U.S. appear weak on the global stage, and its inability to manage foreign relations contributed to the decision to revise the Articles and create a new constitution.

Body Paragraph 4: The Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Despite these weaknesses, the Articles of Confederation did provide one notable achievement: the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. This legislation established a process for admitting new states to the Union, ensuring the expansion of the United States while providing protections for settlers. The Ordinance prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory and guaranteed basic civil rights, including freedom of religion and trial by jury. It was an important step in organizing the western territories and maintaining order as the nation expanded. The success of the Northwest Ordinance demonstrated that the Articles of Confederation could provide a framework for territorial expansion and governance, but it was not sufficient to address the broader issues facing the nation.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Articles of Confederation had both strengths and weaknesses. While they provided a framework for organizing western expansion through the Northwest Ordinance, the Articles ultimately failed to establish a strong and effective government. The inability of the national government to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws led to economic instability and political weakness. Additionally, the lack of a central authority to manage foreign relations left the United States vulnerable to external threats. These shortcomings eventually led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, which created a stronger federal government capable of addressing the challenges facing the young nation. While the Articles of Confederation were an important first step in the formation of the United States, they ultimately proved ineffective in providing a functional and sustainable government.

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