1. Weak central government: One of the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was the lack of a strong central government. Under the Articles, the federal government had limited powers and could not enforce laws or levy taxes. This weakened the ability of the government to maintain order and provide for the general welfare of the country. It also led to difficulties in collecting revenue, as the government had to rely on voluntary contributions from the states. The weakness of the central government resulted in a lack of unity and coordination among the states, ultimately leading to the need for a new Constitution to establish a stronger central authority.
2. Inadequate provisions for national defense: The Articles of Confederation did not have a strong provision for national defense. The federal government did not have the power to raise an army or a navy, and therefore relied on the states for military support. However, the states were often unwilling or unable to provide sufficient resources for national defense. This weakness was exposed during the Shays' Rebellion in 1786, when a group of farmers in Massachusetts rebelled against the state government over economic issues. The inability of the federal government to respond effectively to the rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger national defense capability, which led to the creation of a new Constitution.
3. Economic instability: The Articles of Confederation did not provide a mechanism for regulating commerce and addressing economic issues. Each state had the authority to regulate trade and impose tariffs, resulting in a lack of uniformity and coordination in economic policies. This led to conflicts and trade disputes among the states, hindering economic growth and stability. Additionally, the lack of a central government with the power to levy taxes and regulate currency made it difficult to generate revenue and maintain a stable monetary system. The economic instability caused by these weaknesses further highlighted the need for a new Constitution that could address these issues and provide a stronger economic framework.
Discuss 3 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and how it led to a new Constitution. (4 points)
3 answers
shorter.
1. Weak central government: The Articles of Confederation lacked a strong central government with limited powers, making it difficult to enforce laws and collect taxes.
2. Inadequate national defense: The Articles did not grant the federal government the power to raise an army or navy, relying on the states for military support, which proved insufficient during events like Shays' Rebellion.
3. Economic instability: Lack of a unified economic policy among the states, resulting in trade disputes and difficulties in generating revenue and maintaining a stable monetary system.
2. Inadequate national defense: The Articles did not grant the federal government the power to raise an army or navy, relying on the states for military support, which proved insufficient during events like Shays' Rebellion.
3. Economic instability: Lack of a unified economic policy among the states, resulting in trade disputes and difficulties in generating revenue and maintaining a stable monetary system.
5 answers