Question

If leaders wanted to create a government that was more effective than the government under the Articles of Confederation, which is the most important idea that should be embraced?

The national and state governments should be equal.
The national government cannot be weak.
The national government must have an elected leader.
The state governments should be weak.

Answer 1

The national government cannot be weak.

Under the Articles the central government lacked power to tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws, which made it ineffective. Strengthening the national government (while keeping some state powers) was the key change the framers pursued.