Question

Discuss 3 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and how it led to a new Constitution.
Restate the question.
Answer the question.
Cite evidence (give support/details).
Explain your evidence
Summarize and wrap up your thoughts
The Articles of Confederation had several weaknesses that made it necessary to create a new Constitution. First, _
This made it difficult to
Second.
This caused
_ Lastly
_ This was a challenge because
_ These
weaknesses prompted the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and ultimately the drafting of the new Constitution.

Answer 1

The Articles of Confederation had several weaknesses that made it necessary to create a new Constitution. First, there was a lack of a strong central government. The Articles provided for a confederation where most powers resided with the states, leaving the national government with limited authority. This made it difficult to enforce laws, collect taxes, or regulate commerce, as the federal government had no power to compel states to cooperate or contribute. Without a strong federal structure, the government struggled to address issues like interstate trade disputes and national defense.

Second, the inability to levy taxes caused significant financial problems for the fledgling nation. Under the Articles, the government could request funds from the states but could not mandate payments. This led to a severely weakened national treasury, hindering the ability to pay debts incurred during the Revolutionary War. The financial instability resulted in reduced confidence among foreign nations and made it challenging to secure loans or investment, further exacerbating the financial crisis.

Lastly, the requirement for unanimous consent among states to amend the Articles posed a significant challenge. This meant that any change to the governing document necessitated approval from all thirteen states, making it nearly impossible to adapt to the nation's needs as they evolved. For instance, when it became clear that the country needed a more robust economic framework and federal authority, the inability to amend the Articles stifled any reform efforts.

These weaknesses prompted the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and ultimately the drafting of the new Constitution. The need for a stronger central government became evident as delegates recognized the failures of the Articles in providing stability and order. Consequently, the new Constitution established a federal system that balanced power between the national and state governments, allowing for the taxation and regulation of commerce while also providing a process for future amendments. In conclusion, the deficiencies in the Articles of Confederation underscored the necessity for a more effective governing framework, which was ultimately realized in the United States Constitution.