Articles of Confederation: State's Rights Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Article.Sentence)

Quote #1

Each state retains […] every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled. (2.1)

After reading the Articles of Confederation, what sorts of powers do you think were left to the states? How many can you come up with?

Quote #2

The said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare. (3.1)

The phrase "common defense" comes first, suggesting that the main purpose of the federal government was to protect states militarily in the event of war with other nations.

Quote #3

No State shall engage in any war without the consent of the United States in Congress assembled, unless such State be actually invaded by enemies. (6.5)

This is exactly what Britain had feared her colonies would do. By becoming involved in the French and Indian War, the colonies cost the mother country quite a chunk of change.