The Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States from 1781 to 1789, revealed several weaknesses in the central government, leading to its eventual replacement by the U.S. Constitution. Some key issues and events that highlighted these insufficiencies include:
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Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787): This armed uprising in Massachusetts was led by farmers protesting economic injustices and the inability of the government to address their grievances. The federal government's inability to raise a militia or respond effectively illustrated its weaknesses in maintaining order.
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The inability to levy taxes: The central government under the Articles could not impose taxes directly on citizens, relying instead on state contributions. This often resulted in insufficient funding for government activities, including defense.
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Interstate trade issues: States could impose tariffs on goods from other states, which disrupted commerce and created confusion and conflicts among the states. The inability of the central government to regulate interstate trade highlighted its impotence.
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Lack of a national army: The federal government could not maintain a standing army, which left the nation vulnerable to external threats and internal unrest.
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Economic instability: The nation faced significant economic problems, including inflation and a lack of a stable currency, due to the central government's inability to regulate commerce or impose taxes.
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Diplomatic challenges: The government struggled to negotiate effectively with foreign powers, as it lacked the authority to compel states to comply with treaties or agreements.
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The Northwest Ordinance (1787): While this legislation established a process for admitting new states, it highlighted the weaknesses of the central government in managing western expansion and land claims.
These issues were critical in demonstrating the limitations of the Articles of Confederation and spurred the Constitutional Convention of 1787, leading to the creation of a stronger federal government.