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The
Articles of Confederation:
The First
Constitution of the Original Thirteen American States |
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“I consider the difference
between a system founded on the legislatures only, and one
founded on the people, to be the true difference between a
league or treaty and a constitution.” -- James Madison, at
the Constitutional Convention, 1787 |
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Introduction |
Welcome to the Constitutional Literacy
curriculum modules, courtesy of BasicsProject.org. The curriculum is broken
into sections, The Declaration of Independence; Articles of Confederation;
Constitutional Convention; The Ratification Debate; US Constitution; Bill of Rights; and Amendments
to the US Constitution. In addition to these initial modules, there are
plans to develop modules on Economic Literacy and Our British Origins.
You Have Navigated to Articles of Confederation
Curriculum
Prior to beginning this module, you should keep in mind that the Articles of
Confederation is our nation’s first constitution. There is a major
difference between the Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution,
though. The Articles created a league of friendship between 13 sovereign
nations, the US Constitution created a system of federalism which allows the
federal government some powers over the entire nation and leaves other
powers to the state governments. It is critical not to confuse federalism
with creating a national government which would have sovereignty over each
state’s government. The Articles had many weaknesses which is why this first
constitution was replaced with our current US Constitution.
Should you have any questions as you navigate the modules, please feel free
to send your questions by
clicking here.
Welcome to BasicsProject.org's Constitutional Literacy
Curriculum Initiative: The Articles of Confederation Module.
Part 1: The First Constitution of the Original
Thirteen American States |
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