to a new form of government. They were drafted in 1777 by the Continental Congress and ratified by the 13 states in 1781. The Articles were to be the instrument of the union of the thirteen colonies. In passing this document, the delegates were uncertain whether it would be effective for the purposes for which it was designed and whether it would stand the strain of opposing interests and views. The most important consideration at the time was that the Articles be effective in allowing for the prosecution of the war and the achievement of independence. The Articles ultimately had to be scrapped in favor of a Constitution which was designed to accomplish what the Articles had failed to accomplish. An examination of certain documents referring to the period can be used to assess the general effectiveness of government under the Articles of Confederation.
There was no provision in the Articles for a truly sovereign national government, and instead the government consisted of a single-house congress with each state having one vote. Legislation could be passed by approval of a minimum of seven states. To wage war and pass certain other measures, the requirement was nine votes. All thirteen had to agree to any amendment of the Articles themselves. The Continental Congress was empowered to wage war, make treaties and alliances, decide disputes between the member states, negotiate loans, coin money, regulate weights and measures, manage Indian affairs, and operate a post office, among other functions. The Continental Congress did not have the power to levy taxes. Underlying the articles of Confederation was a similar concept of sovereignty as would be embodied in the Constitution. Article II states,
Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled (Commager 111).
When it ...