Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government's strengths and weaknesses can be summarized as follows:
Strengths:
- Mutual Defense of States: The Articles provided a framework for mutual defense among states, promoting a sense of unity against external threats.
- Ability to Make Laws: The central government had the power to make laws, which allowed it to address issues that transcended state boundaries, such as foreign relations and trade.
Weaknesses:
- Unicameral Legislature: The Articles established a unicameral legislature with limited powers, which made it difficult to pass legislation efficiently or respond effectively to national issues.
- Dependence on States for Funds: The national government relied on voluntary contributions from the states for funding, leading to financial instability and an inability to raise revenue or support a standing army.
This structure resulted in significant challenges for governance and ultimately led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
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