State Sovereignty

Worksheet Description

This worksheet delves into the concept of state sovereignty as it was defined and experienced under the Articles of Confederation in the early history of the United States. It outlines how the Articles created a government system that emphasized the independence and self-governing authority of individual states, while granting limited power to the central government. The text discusses the roles states played in managing their own affairs, including taxation and law enforcement, and their responsibility towards local governance and citizen welfare. It also highlights the states’ part in the national government, reflecting their importance in the early American political framework.

The worksheet aims to educate students on the balance of power between state and federal levels under the Articles of Confederation. It intends to illustrate the challenges and benefits of a decentralized government structure where states held significant autonomy. By examining the disputes that arose and the limited authority of the central government to intervene, students are meant to understand the practical implications of state sovereignty. Furthermore, the material encourages reflection on how this early system set the stage for the development of the current United States Constitution.