How did the Articles of Confederation shape American democracy?

Answer 1

The Articles of Confederation was the first official document of the United States government. It reflected the ideals of the of the founding fathers, and initially gave more power to the states, in an effort to avoid the abusive power wielded by a government like the one they had just freed themselves from.

Answer 2

The question is nonsensical as written. The first American operational document was the Articles of Confederation and therefore forms the basis of American jurisprudence up to the point where it is withdrawn in favor of the Constitution of 1779. All previous charters and documents written by the British do not concern a "United States" but concern the Thirteen Colonies on an individual basis.

If the question is asking what changed at the end of the American Revolution when the Articles of Confederation came into force and replaced these British documents and charters, then there are a few viable answers.

1) The State Governments became more powerful: Under the British rule system, the domestic apparatus was always subservient to the wishes of Loyal Colonial Governor who represented London and London's interests. With the end of British colonization, the domestic apparatus assumed that power and was able to govern its own affairs.

2) Lack of general coordination: The federal government under the Articles of Confederation was far weaker than the British government had been, especially as concerns organizing military, civil, or commercial policies. Therefore, such policies differed more drastically between the states during the Confederation Era than during the Colonial Period.

3) Independence: America has won its independence and established itself as a new nation.