From 1781 to 1789 the Articles of Confederation Provided the United States with an Effective Government.

DBQ

"From 1781 to 1789 the Articles of Confederation provided the United States with an effective government." During those years the United States government was still an "infant" and the Articles of Confederation was not an effective form of government. Each state had a strong complaint against the Articles of Confederation. During the crucial years from 1781 to 1789 the Articles of Confederation was not a government well suited for the developing United States.

In Document A, which is a letter from the Rhode Island Assembly to Congress stating the fact that states cannot tax. Under the Articles of Confederation state taxes could not be impressed which forced them into bankruptcy. Also, allowing Congress to collect from any state without a limit to time and the amount taken, this would allow Congress to become independent. Under the Articles of the Confederation Congress was granted the power to chose which states they were to obtain money. They decided to obtain this money from the states that were commercially inclined. This severely effected the commerce of Rhode Island and other states. They Articles of Confederation only proved to be a burden among most states.

In Document B, which shows the population values and the marketed value of British exported goods. In 1770, the United States had the smallest population and income. In 1775, right before the Articles of the Confederation with a relatively small population brought in the most income over a period of twenty years. After the Articles of Confederation while the population still increased the revenue became relatively stable. In time the limited income under the Articles of Confederation would not be able to suite the growing population. The government would not be able to pay off debt and could not tend to state needs which was directly related to the people. Soon under the Articles of Confederation the government would become Bankrupt.

In Document C, which is letter from Joseph Jones to George Washington talks about the lack of money in congress. The Articles of Confederation were unable to pay soldiers their earned money. The new government currently did not have the proper needs. Unless, they called upon different states to help raise the money. By calling upon different states this only caused irritation with in the states. Many people were unhappy that the Articles of Confederation was