THE ARTICLES THEMSELVES.
Their History.—But these were pre-eminently a people of peace and good order. This is shown in part by the spirit and form of the declaration of independence. They had no idea of allowing themselves to lapse or drift into anarchy. They understood the necessity for a permanent government.
Accordingly, when, on the eleventh of June, 1776, a committee of congress was appointed to "abolish" one form of government by drafting a declaration of independence, another committee was appointed to frame a plan on which to "institute a new government."
After more than a month's deliberation this committee reported its plan, embodied in what is called articles of confederation. This plan was discussed from time to time, and finally, somewhat modified, was agreed to by congress, November 15, 1777. It was then submitted to the states for ratification.
In July, 1778, the articles were ratified by ten of the states. New Jersey ratified in November, 1778, and Delaware in February, 1779. But the articles were not to become binding until ratified by all the states, and Maryland did not authorize her delegates in congress to sign the instrument in ratification until March 1, 1781. (Maryland claims to have fought through the revolutionary war, not as a member but as an ally of the United States.)
Their peculiarities.—The articles of confederation were different from our present constitution, both in principle and in method of operation, as follows:
1. The nature of the government formed. The government was that of a "confederation of states," each retaining its sovereignty and independence. The union was declared to be a "firm league of friendship." It was to be perpetual.
2. The branches of government. Only one was provided for, a congress. No provision was made for executive or judicial officers apart from the congress itself.
3. The structure of the congress. The congress consisted of only one house or chamber. Members were elected for one year, subject to recall at any time, and they were paid by their respective states. No person was eligible to membership for more than three years in any period of six years. No state could be represented by "less than two, nor more than seven members." Each state had one vote.
4. The powers of congress. "The United States in congress assembled" had power to treat with foreign countries, to send and receive ambassadors, to determine peace and war. Congress was the last resort on appeal in all disputes between the states; could fix the standard of weights and measures, and of the fineness of coin; could establish and regulate postoffices; could ascertain and appropriate "the necessary sums of money to be raised for the service of the United States;" could borrow money "on the credit of the United States;" could agree upon the number of land forces and make requisition on each state for its quota; and could appoint a committee consisting of one member from each state, to sit during the vacations of congress.