The Articles of Confederation created the first national government of the United States, emphasizing state sovereignty and limiting central authority. Under the Articles, the national government lacked key powers, including the ability to tax, regulate interstate commerce, and enforce laws. These limitations reflected fears of centralized tyranny but resulted in an ineffective governing structure.
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Lesson PreviewLesson 4 of 9 in this unit
1.4 Challenges of the Articles of Confederation
Part of Foundations of American Democracy in AP® US Government & Politics. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.
In this unit
9 lessons
- 1.1Ideals of DemocracyPreview lesson
- 1.2Types of DemocracyPreview lesson
- 1.3Government Power and Individual RightsPreview lesson
- 1.4Challenges of the Articles of ConfederationThis lesson
- 1.5Ratification of the U.S. ConstitutionPreview lesson
- 1.6Principles of American GovernmentPreview lesson
- 1.7Relationship between the States and National GovernmentPreview lesson
- 1.8Constitutional Interpretations of FederalismPreview lesson
- 1.9Federalism in ActionPreview lesson
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