W28:D2 - The Birth of a Nation - The Formation of the First U.S. Government - The Adventure Box Pod

The Confederation Congress: America’s First National Governing Body

The Confederation Congress served as the central government of the United States under the Articles of Confederation, predating the U.S. Constitution. Formed during a time of revolution and uncertainty, it represented a significant attempt by the thirteen newly independent colonies to unite under a federal framework. Although it was a steppingstone to a stronger Constitution, the Confederation Congress played a crucial role in shaping early American governance.

 

Origins and Formation of the Confederation Congress (1781-1789)

The Confederation Congress emerged from the Second Continental Congress, which initially convened in 1775 as the colonies sought to address grievances with Great Britain. During the Revolutionary War, this assembly assumed roles of governance, including managing war efforts and negotiating foreign alliances. However, there was growing recognition that the young nation needed a more formal structure, leading to the drafting of the Articles of Confederation in 1777.

• Ratification and Launch: The Articles of Confederation, America’s first constitution, were submitted to the states for ratification in 1777 but faced a delay in approval due to disputes over western land claims. The final ratification came on March 1, 1781, after Maryland agreed, formally establishing the Confederation Congress as the central governing authority. It became the only national governing body under the Articles, and this government structure lasted until the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1789.

 

Key Figures and Delegates Involved in the Confederation Congress

The Confederation Congress consisted of delegates from each of the thirteen states. While the Articles allowed states to send between two and seven delegates, each state had only one vote in Congress. Representatives to the Confederation Congress were appointed by state legislatures and served annual terms.

 

Prominent figures in the Confederation Congress included:

• John Hanson (Maryland): Often referred to as the first "President of the United States in Congress Assembled" (1781-1782), Hanson played a ceremonial role that underscored Congress’s intent for centralized leadership.
• Richard Henry Lee (Virginia): Known for his early advocacy for independence, Lee served as President of the Confederation Congress and was a strong voice for state sovereignty.
• John Dickinson (Delaware and Pennsylvania): A respected leader and author of Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, Dickinson provided a moderating influence in Congress.
• James Madison (Virginia): Though his influence peaked later at the Constitutional Convention, Madison contributed valuable ideas on federal governance.

 

Each of these leaders, along with many other delegates, represented their state interests, which often made it challenging to reach consensus on federal policies.

 

Responsibilities and Powers of the Confederation Congress

Under the Articles of Confederation, the Confederation Congress was tasked with responsibilities that would define and protect the fledgling nation. However, the Articles intentionally restricted Congress’s powers, reflecting the widespread fear of centralized authority among the states.

 

Some of the Confederation Congress’s responsibilities included:

1. War and Peace: The Congress had the authority to declare war, make peace, and enter into treaties with foreign nations. During the Revolutionary War, Congress was responsible for coordinating the war effort and negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the conflict and recognized American independence.
2. Military Matters: The Articles permitted Congress to establish an army and navy, but Congress had no power to draft soldiers or collect taxes to fund the military. Instead, it relied on requests for troops and funds from the states, which were often unmet, creating challenges in maintaining defense.
3. Foreign Relations: Congress held the exclusive power to manage relations with foreign nations, establishing diplomatic relationships and negotiating treaties. However, the limited enforcement power meant that Congress struggled to uphold its agreements consistently.
4. Indian Affairs: Congress was tasked with managing affairs with Native American tribes, although these efforts were hindered by conflicting state policies and territorial disputes.
5. Western Land Policy: One of the Confederation Congress’s most notable accomplishments was the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which provided a framework for governing the western territories and outlined a process for admitting new states. This ordinance prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory, establishing a precedent for future policy.
6. Postal System: Congress established a postal service to facilitate communication across states, marking a foundational step in unifying the nation.

 

Despite these powers, the Articles severely limited the Confederation Congress’s ability to enforce laws or directly tax the states. As a result, it struggled financially and often found it difficult to compel states to fulfill their obligations, whether for military, fiscal, or diplomatic purposes.

 

The Weaknesses of the Confederation Congress

While the Confederation Congress managed to guide the nation through its immediate post-independence period, its limited powers ultimately hindered its effectiveness. The Articles of Confederation created a decentralized system that prioritized state sovereignty, which led to several significant issues:

• Lack of Taxation Authority: Congress had no power to tax, and it relied on contributions from the states to fund its operations. States often failed to meet these requests, leaving Congress financially incapacitated and unable to repay war debts.
• Interstate Conflicts: With no power to regulate trade or resolve disputes between states, the Confederation Congress could not prevent economic tension or establish cohesive economic policies.
• Inability to Enforce Laws: Congress could pass laws but lacked an executive branch to enforce them. Without a judiciary or enforcement mechanism, the Congress had little power to ensure state compliance with national policies.
• Foreign Relations and Security: Without a standing army or resources to secure its borders, Congress faced difficulties in defending the nation and enforcing treaties, which affected U.S. credibility with foreign powers.

 

The Confederation Congress’s Legacy and Transition to the Constitutional Framework

The Confederation Congress’s weaknesses highlighted the need for a stronger federal government. As internal and external pressures mounted, including interstate trade disputes, economic instability, and security threats, it became increasingly evident that the Articles of Confederation were insufficient. This led to the convening of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where delegates from the states gathered to create a new, more robust framework for governance—the U.S. Constitution.

 

In 1789, after the Constitution was ratified, the Confederation Congress officially dissolved, giving way to the U.S. Congress established under the new Constitution. However, the Confederation Congress left a lasting legacy:

• Foundation of Federal Land Policy: The Northwest Ordinance set a precedent for territorial expansion and the creation of new states.
• Commitment to Republican Governance: Despite its limitations, the Confederation Congress upheld the principle of republican governance, demonstrating that power could be shared among sovereign states while maintaining unity.
• Highlighting the Need for Federal Reform: The Confederation Congress’s struggles underscored the importance of a balance between state sovereignty and federal authority, paving the way for the stronger constitutional system that followed.

 

While the Confederation Congress’s powers were limited, it played an essential role in guiding the early republic. It served as a bridge between the ideals of independence and the practical needs of governance, ultimately showing the way forward toward a more cohesive federal system. The experiences and challenges faced by the Confederation Congress became valuable lessons in the creation of the U.S. Constitution, a document that continues to govern the United States today.