Definition

Proper noun: * The first constitution of the United States: "Articles of Confederation" refers to the first written constitution of the United States, which established a confederation of sovereign states and served as the nation's fundamental governing document from 1781 until 1789.

Usage

• The term "Articles of Confederation" is used as a proper noun to name this specific historical document and the system of government it created. It is always capitalized.
• It is commonly used in historical, political, and legal contexts when discussing the early government of the United States, its strengths, and its weaknesses.

Examples

• Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government lacked the power to tax states directly.
• The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was called to address the weaknesses perceived in the Articles of Confederation.
• Historians study the Articles of Confederation to understand the challenges of governing a loose union of states.

Advanced Usage

• "the Articles": In historical writing, the document is often referred to simply as "the Articles" when the context is clear.
  • The government under the Articles was too weak to manage interstate disputes effectively.

Variants and Related Words

• Confederation (n): A union of sovereign states united for purposes of common action, often dealing with foreign relations and defense, while retaining considerable independence in internal affairs. The "Articles of Confederation" established such a system.
• Confederate (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a confederation.
• Federal (adj): Contrasting term; having or relating to a system of government in which several states form a unity but remain independent in internal affairs, with a stronger central authority than a confederation.

Synonyms

• First U.S. constitution
• The original compact (historical term)

Related Phrases

• Period of the Articles of Confederation: The era in U.S. history (1781-1789) when this document was in effect.
• Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation: A common historical analysis focusing on the lack of central power, such as no power to tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws.

Noun

1. a written agreement ratified in 1781 by the thirteen original states; it provided a legal symbol of their union by giving the central government no coercive power over the states or their citizens