Articles of Confederation vs. Declaration of Independence: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on November 13, 2024
The Articles of Confederation established a weak union of American states, while the Declaration of Independence proclaimed independence from Britain.
Key Differences
The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, creating a confederation of states with a weak central government. The Declaration of Independence, drafted in 1776, is a historic document proclaiming the American colonies' independence from British rule.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2024
The Articles of Confederation provided for a loose union where each state retained its sovereignty, freedom, and independence. In contrast, the Declaration of Independence articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence, emphasizing unalienable rights and grievances against the British crown.
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Nov 13, 2024
Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government lacked the power to levy taxes or regulate commerce, leading to operational inefficiencies. The Declaration of Independence, meanwhile, served as a rallying cry for the colonies, uniting them against a common enemy and asserting their right to self-governance.
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Nov 13, 2024
The Articles of Confederation were eventually deemed ineffective, leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The Declaration of Independence remains a symbol of American freedom and the philosophical foundation of American democracy.
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Nov 13, 2024
The Articles of Confederation represented an early attempt at a national government but with limited success. The Declaration of Independence holds a prestigious place in U.S. history as the document that set the stage for the creation of a new, independent nation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To establish a confederation of states with a weak central government
To proclaim independence from British rule
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Power Structure
Weak central authority, strong state sovereignty
No governmental structure, a statement of principles
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Historical Context
Ratified in 1781, during the Revolutionary War
Adopted in 1776, at the start of the Revolutionary War
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Nov 13, 2024
Outcome
Replaced by the U.S. Constitution due to ineffectiveness
Led to the Revolutionary War and eventual independence
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Significance in American History
First constitution of the U.S., an early attempt at union
Symbol of American freedom and democratic ideals
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Nov 13, 2024
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Articles of Confederation and Declaration of Independence Definitions
Articles of Confederation
A historical document forming the first constitution of the U.S.
The Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781.
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Jan 18, 2024
Declaration of Independence
An announcement severing political ties between the American colonies and Britain.
The Declaration of Independence marked the formal separation from British rule.
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Jan 18, 2024
Articles of Confederation
A precursor to the current U.S. Constitution, highlighting its weaknesses.
The weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation led to the Constitutional Convention.
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Jan 18, 2024
Declaration of Independence
A foundational text for American political philosophy and values.
The Declaration of Independence has influenced many democratic movements worldwide.
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Jan 18, 2024
Articles of Confederation
The agreement that established a confederation among the thirteen American states.
Under the Articles of Confederation, each state retained significant independence.
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Jan 18, 2024
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Declaration of Independence
A symbol of freedom and the American struggle for independence.
The Declaration of Independence is celebrated every year on the Fourth of July.
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Jan 18, 2024
Articles of Confederation
A foundational text outlining the initial government structure of the United States.
The Articles of Confederation created a congress as the national authority.
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Jan 18, 2024
Declaration of Independence
A historic document proclaiming the American colonies' independence from Britain.
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
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Jan 18, 2024
Articles of Confederation
A treaty of alliance and union among the original American states.
The Articles of Confederation served as the first attempt to unify the American states.
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Jan 18, 2024
Declaration of Independence
A statement of democratic principles and human rights.
The Declaration of Independence emphasizes life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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Jan 18, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What principles does the Declaration of Independence emphasize?
It emphasizes unalienable rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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Nov 13, 2024
Were the Articles of Confederation successful?
No, they were replaced by the U.S. Constitution due to their inefficiencies.
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Nov 13, 2024
Why was the Declaration of Independence important?
It declared American independence from Britain and outlined democratic ideals.
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Nov 13, 2024
What was the Articles of Confederation?
The first constitution of the United States, creating a confederation of states.
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Nov 13, 2024
How did the Articles of Confederation structure government?
It established a weak central government with most powers held by states.
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Nov 13, 2024
How did the Articles of Confederation affect states' rights?
They gave significant power and independence to states.
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What replaced the Articles of Confederation?
The United States Constitution in 1789.
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Nov 13, 2024
What role did the Declaration of Independence play in the revolution?
It was a rallying cry and ideological backbone for the revolution.
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Nov 13, 2024
What event did the Declaration of Independence lead to?
The American Revolutionary War.
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Nov 13, 2024
Why was the Declaration of Independence written?
To justify and declare the colonies' independence from British rule.
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Nov 13, 2024
Did the Articles of Confederation allow for a president?
No, there was no executive branch under the Articles.
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Nov 13, 2024
Is the Declaration of Independence a legal document?
It's more a philosophical and political statement than a legal one.
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Nov 13, 2024
Did the Articles of Confederation have a judiciary?
No, there was no national judicial system.
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Nov 13, 2024
What does the Declaration of Independence say about government legitimacy?
It states that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed.
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How is the Declaration of Independence celebrated in the U.S.?
As Independence Day on July 4th, with various national festivities.
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How did the Articles of Confederation impact the early U.S. economy?
They led to economic difficulties due to a lack of central economic policy.
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Nov 13, 2024
Why were the Articles of Confederation considered weak?
Due to the lack of central power, especially in taxation and defense.
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Nov 13, 2024
How many colonies signed the Declaration of Independence?
Representatives from all 13 colonies signed it.
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Nov 13, 2024
What powers did the national government have under the Articles of Confederation?
Limited powers, mostly in foreign affairs and war.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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