Who Wrote the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation were the first written constitution of the United States, serving as the governing document from 1781 to 1789. They laid the foundation for establishing a federal government after the American Revolutionary War. But who exactly were the individuals responsible for drafting this important document?

Key Takeaways:

• The Articles of Confederation were written by a committee of delegates appointed by the Continental Congress.
• The main author of the Articles was John Dickinson, a lawyer and politician from Pennsylvania.
• Other notable contributors to the Articles of Confederation included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams.

The task of drafting the Articles of Confederation was given to a committee of delegates appointed by the Continental Congress. These delegates represented different states and brought their experiences and perspectives to the table. The committee worked diligently to create a framework for the new nation.

John Dickinson, a prominent lawyer and politician from Pennsylvania, is often referred to as the main author of the Articles of Confederation. His expertise in constitutional law and his previous experience drafting the Declaration of Independence made him a suitable candidate for this crucial task. *His commitment to preserving the sovereignty of individual states shaped the content of the Articles.

Although John Dickinson is credited as the main author, several other influential figures had a hand in shaping the Articles of Confederation. Thomas Jefferson, known for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, played an advisory role in the drafting process, providing valuable insights and suggestions. *His vision of a decentralized government can be seen in certain aspects of the Articles.

The Contributions of Benjamin Franklin

Another significant contributor to the Articles of Confederation was Benjamin Franklin. Known for his scientific discoveries and political acumen, Franklin played an active role in the creation of the new nation. He provided guidance and diplomatic skills to help navigate the complex process of establishing a united government. *His diplomatic experience in negotiating with European powers greatly influenced the Articles of Confederation.

John Adams, a prominent figure in the American Revolution and future President, also played a role in the creation of the Articles of Confederation. Although his influence may not have been as significant as that of Dickinson, Franklin, or Jefferson, his ideas and perspectives contributed to the overall framework. *His commitment to strong central government influenced certain provisions of the Articles.

Key Provisions of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation established a decentralized form of government, with significant power reserved for individual states. The document included several important provisions to govern the affairs of the new nation:

1. The Congress of the Confederation was the central governing body.
2. Each state was given one vote in Congress, regardless of size or population.
3. The states retained their sovereignty, freedom, and independence.
4. Congress had the power to declare war and negotiate treaties.
5. The authority to coin and regulate currency was vested in Congress.

The Articles of Confederation served as the basis for the United States’ governance for almost a decade. However, the weaknesses of the document eventually led to its replacement by the Constitution in 1789, establishing a more centralized and stronger federal government.

Although the names of the individuals responsible for drafting the Articles of Confederation might not be as well known as those who wrote the Constitution, their contributions were instrumental in shaping the early days of the United States as an independent nation. Their collective efforts, guided by their experiences and visions, laid the groundwork for the future development of American government and democracy.

References:

• “Articles of Confederation.” National Archives, https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/articles.

Common Misconceptions

1. The Articles of Confederation were written by a single person

One common misconception about the Articles of Confederation is that they were written by a single individual. In truth, there was a committee appointed by the Continental Congress to draft the articles. This committee, known as the Committee of Five, consisted of John Dickinson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.

• The Articles of Confederation were a collective effort.
• The Committee of Five was responsible for drafting the document.
• Each member brought their own perspective and ideas to the table.

2. The Articles of Confederation were created after the American Revolution

Another common misconception is that the Articles of Confederation were written after the American Revolution. However, the truth is that the articles were drafted and adopted before the Revolutionary War even came to an end. The Continental Congress began the process of writing the articles in 1777 and they were ratified in 1781.

• The Articles of Confederation predate the end of the Revolutionary War.
• The Continental Congress aimed to establish a functioning government during the war.
• The articles were intended to unite the thirteen colonies.

3. The Articles of Confederation established a strong central government

A misconception that arises when discussing the Articles of Confederation is the belief that it established a strong central government. On the contrary, the articles created a weak central government with limited powers. The individual states held most of the authority, leading to issues such as a lack of coordination and difficulty in raising funds for the central government.

• The central government under the Articles of Confederation was intentionally weak.
• States retained most of the power.
• This weakness led to challenges in governance and decision-making.

4. The Articles of Confederation were successful in achieving their goals

Many people mistakenly believe that the Articles of Confederation successfully achieved their intended goals. However, this is not the case. One of the main reasons the articles were eventually replaced by the Constitution was the recognition that they were ineffective in governing the newly formed nation. The lack of a strong central government and the inability to regulate commerce and resolve disputes between the states were key factors in the push for a new constitution.

• The Articles of Confederation fell short in accomplishing their goals.
• They struggled to effectively govern the young country.
• The need for a stronger central government became evident over time.

5. The Articles of Confederation were easily replaced by the Constitution

Another common misconception is that replacing the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution was a straightforward process. However, this transition was not easy. It took years of debate and compromise before the Constitution was drafted and ratified. The founders had to address the weaknesses of the Articles and find a balance between a strong central government and protecting the rights of the individual states.

• The transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution was a complex and contentious process.
• Debate and compromise were necessary to create the Constitution.
• The founders navigated challenges in balancing power between the central government and the states.

Introduction

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, serving as the legal framework for the newly formed country from 1781 to 1789. During this period, the document underwent several revisions and faced many challenges. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Articles is the debate around its authorship. It is a contentious topic, with multiple individuals contributing to the creation and modification of this important document. In the following tables, we highlight ten key figures and their roles in the development of the Articles of Confederation.

John Dickinson

This table provides information on John Dickinson, a Founding Father and prominent figure in the drafting of the Articles of Confederation. As a member of the Continental Congress, Dickinson played a pivotal role in the creation of the initial draft of the Articles.

Edward Rutledge

Edward Rutledge was yet another influential figure during the creation of the Articles of Confederation. Serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress, he participated in the early deliberations and amendments.

Richard Henry Lee

Richard Henry Lee was a well-known individual involved in shaping the Articles of Confederation. Let’s take a look at his contributions and involvement in the early stages of this constitutional document.

James Madison

James Madison’s contributions to American governance were immense, and the Articles of Confederation were not an exception. Madison’s active involvement in the Constitutional Convention fueled the need to revise the Articles.

John Jay

John Jay, known for his contributions to diplomacy and law, also participated in the creation and improvement of the Articles of Confederation. His role and influence are highlighted in the following table.

John Hanson

While John Hanson served as the President of the Continental Congress, he played a pivotal role in the early implementation and execution of the Articles of Confederation. This table provides insight into his contributions and tenure.

Roger Sherman

Roger Sherman played a crucial role in the development of the Articles of Confederation. His contributions and influence are reflected in the table below.

Thomas McKean

Thomas McKean played a notable role in the development of the Articles of Confederation, particularly during the latter stages of the document’s revision.

Elbridge Gerry

Elbridge Gerry’s contributions to the Articles of Confederation primarily stemmed from his involvement in the Continental Congress. The table below outlines his key roles and periods of activity.

Conclusion

The Articles of Confederation, a critical precursor to the United States Constitution, underwent multiple iterations and involved the collective efforts of many influential figures. Though the document had its limitations and ultimately necessitated a revision and replacement, the contributions of individuals such as John Dickinson, James Madison, and others laid the groundwork for a more robust and enduring federal government. The debates and compromises surrounding the creation of the Articles of Confederation set the stage for the future construction of the United States as a nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Wrote the Articles of Confederation?