Articles of Confederation

( 1777 ) Commentary by Michael W. Handis, Graduate and University Center, City University of New York

Questions for Further Study

1. What were the specific powers granted to the United States in the Articles of Confederation?
2. Dickinson's draft of the Articles of Confederation created a “Council of State,” but the accepted document created a “Committee of the States.” Compare these two bodies.
3. Compare Dickinson's draft of the Articles of Confederation and the final draft adopted by the Continental Congress. Why were changes made to Dickinson's draft?
4. Compare the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. How did the writers of the Constitution address the perceived problems in the Articles?

The Articles of Confederation (National Archives and Records Administration)

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