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Strengths of the Articles

Definition

These refer to aspects or provisions within The Articles of Confederation that worked well or had positive effects on governance during their implementation period.

Analogy

Consider this like your favorite pair of sneakers - they might be old and worn out now, but there are still things you love about them; maybe they're super comfortable or have great traction. Similarly, while many saw flaws in The Articles, there were also strengths that proved beneficial for early America.

Related terms

Northwest Ordinance (1787): This law passed under The Articles established rules for creating new states in western territories. It's considered one of its major successes because it set an important precedent for westward expansion.

Sovereignty: This refers to supreme power or authority within a territory. Under The Articles, each state retained its sovereignty, which many states appreciated.

League of Friendship: This was a term used to describe the loose confederation of states under The Articles. It's seen as a strength because it allowed for cooperation between states while preserving their independence.