The Articles of Confederation: Economic Problems

Inspired by the Iroquois Confederation, the Articles of Confederation were ratified by all colonies of America on March 1, 1781. It became the first written constitution of the United States of America which was signed by John Dickenson, Roger Sherman, and Benjamin Franklin and other men responsible for the creation of the United States Constitution in the future. Though the Articles did have some initial successes, also contained failures which had to be addressed. In 1785 at the Mount Vernon Conference, George Washington called the leading statesmen who served during the revolution. Alexander Hamilton, George Mason, James Madison and others participated in the discussions on how to repair errors located within the Articles. Charles Pinckney of South Carolina voiced his opinion suggesting that Congress should amend the Articles of Confederation granting Congress power over foreign and domestic commerce, and provide Congressional ability of money to be collected from state treasuries. In 1786, an Annapolis Conference, only five delegates came from five states. The next year, the state delegates met in Philadelphia.