Weaknesses of the Confederation

Answer 1

1) Lack of centralized power: The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government that lacked the authority to enforce laws or coordinate effectively among the states. This led to difficulties in addressing economic, diplomatic, and military issues.

2) Inability to raise revenue: Under the Confederation, the central government had limited powers to impose taxes. This made it difficult for the government to generate sufficient revenue to fund its operations and pay off war debts.

3) Inability to regulate commerce: The Confederation did not have the power to regulate trade between states. This led to disagreements and disputes among states regarding tariffs and trade policies, which hindered economic development.

4) Lack of an executive branch: The Confederation did not have a strong executive branch, such as a president, to enforce laws and provide leadership. This created difficulties in implementing policies and maintaining order.

5) Unanimous consent requirement: In order to amend the Articles or pass important legislation, unanimous consent from all 13 states was required. This made it extremely difficult to make any significant changes or improvements to the government structure.

6) Weak foreign relations: The Confederation struggled to establish effective diplomatic relations with foreign countries. The lack of a strong central authority limited the government's ability to negotiate treaties and navigate international affairs.

7) Economic instability: The lack of a centralized currency and inconsistent trade policies among states created economic instability and hindered interstate commerce. This led to inflation, trade imbalances, and economic hardships.

8) Lack of military power: The Confederation had limited authority to raise and maintain a national military. This made it difficult to defend against external threats, such as British or Native American attacks, and protect the borders effectively.