“The Articles of Confederation were largely successful in resolving the challenges that came with independence.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the Articles of Confederation were largely successful in resolving challenges that came with independence. Candidates may offer equal coverage of evidence suggesting successful resolution of challenges and the failure to resolve challenges, or they may prioritize their discussion of either. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the successful conduct of the war for independence, the implementation of the Northwest Ordinances of 1785 and 1787, and the maintenance of sovereignty. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the inability to enforce adherence to the Treaty of Paris, the absence of taxation power contributing to Shay’s Rebellion and the inability to regulate commerce causing economic distress, all of which led to the writing of the 1787 Constitution, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The assertion that the Articles of Confederation were largely successful in resolving the challenges that came with independence was selected by a fair number of candidates. Most were able to address the demands with a good body of knowledge and analysis as to the inadequacies of the Articles, thus supporting the theory that the Articles were largely a failure. There was little, if any, content as to the successes of the Articles.