Articles Of Confederation
An agreement among the 13 original states of the US, that served as its first constitution
Real World Example
The Articles of Confederation was the United States' first constitution, created to unite the 13 original states after gaining independence from Britain. It was important because it established a national government, but it had weaknesses, such as lacking the power to tax or regulate trade effectively. These issues led to its replacement by the current U.S. Constitution, which provided a stronger federal government. Today, the concept of balancing state and federal power remains relevant, as seen in debates over issues like healthcare or education policy. For example, if a state wants to implement its own health program, it must work within federal guidelines, showing how the balance of power continues to affect our daily lives.
