Gavel Gone

Worksheet Description

This worksheet explores a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation – the absence of a national court system. It details how the lack of centralized judicial authority led to a reliance on state courts to resolve disputes, which often resulted in inconsistent applications of laws and regulations between states. The text underscores how this absence hindered the resolution of interstate conflicts and undermined the enforcement of congressional measures. It also touches on the broader implications for national unity and the government’s ability to govern effectively.

The worksheet is aimed at teaching students about the judicial complications inherent in the government formed by the Articles of Confederation. It illustrates the practical consequences of not having a national judiciary, such as the lack of a uniform legal framework to resolve disputes and enforce laws. By analyzing this aspect of the Confederation, students can understand the challenges of federalism and the importance of judicial structures in a unified state. The lesson also sets a foundation for appreciating the changes brought about by the subsequent establishment of the U.S. Constitution, which included the creation of a federal judiciary.