Identify the reason for the failure of the articles of confederation.

The leaders could not get the states to send delegates to the continental congress.
The government had the power to declare war.
The government could not enforce the laws on the individual states.
It had a bill of rights.

1 answer

The main reason for the failure of the Articles of Confederation was that the government structure created by the Articles was too weak and ineffective. This weakness was evident in several aspects, including:

1. Inadequate representation: The inability to get states to send delegates to the Continental Congress showcased a lack of unified commitment to the central government. This compromised the effectiveness of decision-making and hindered the implementation of policies.

2. Limited central power: Although the government had the power to declare war, it lacked significant control over other crucial aspects such as taxation and commerce regulation. This limitation severely hampered the government's ability to effectively govern and address the needs of the nation.

3. Inability to enforce laws: The government's inability to enforce laws on individual states weakened its authority and resulted in inconsistent implementation of policies. This undermined the stability and unity of the nation.

4. Lack of a strong executive: The government structure established by the Articles did not include a strong executive branch. Without a centralized authority figure, the government lacked the ability to enforce laws and carry out decisions efficiently.

5. No provision for an effective judicial system: The absence of a proper judicial system meant that disputes between states or individuals could not be resolved fairly and consistently. This lack of a cohesive legal framework contributed to the failure of the Articles of Confederation.

Overall, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, including inadequate representation, limited central power, inability to enforce laws, lack of a strong executive, and absence of an effective judiciary, led to its failure as a government system.