Page:The general principles of constitutional law in the United States of America.djvu/69

Rh compel the performance of duties owing to it by its several members.

Articles of Confederation.—This evil it was sought to remedy by "Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union," prepared by the Congress and submitted to the States in 1777, and ratified subsequently by representatives of the States empowered by their respective legislatures so to do.

These Articles declared that "Each State retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States in Congress assembled;" that "The said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other pretence whatever; "and that, "for the more convenient management of the general interests of the United States," delegates from the several States shall meet in a Congress, in which each one shall have an equal vote.

They further declared that "No State, without the consent of the United States in Congress assembled, shall send any embassy to, or receive any embassy from, or enter into any conference, agreement, alliance, or treaty with any king, prince, or state;" that "No two or more States shall enter into any treaty, confederation, or alliance whatever between them without the consent of the United