What are two weaknesses of the articles of confederation that caused the need for a new and stronger federal government that the framers outlined in the constitution?

Answer 1

Two weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that necessitated the creation of a new and stronger federal government as outlined in the Constitution are:

1. No power to tax or regulate trade: Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government lacked the power to levy taxes on its citizens or regulate interstate and foreign trade. This resulted in a lack of revenue to fund the government's activities and a weak national economy. The inability to levy taxes made it challenging for the central government to raise funds for defense, infrastructure development, or to address economic problems such as debt. Additionally, without the power to regulate trade, states often imposed tariffs and engaged in trade disputes with one another, hindering economic growth and stability.

2. Lack of a strong central authority: The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government with a loose confederation of independent states. The central government had limited powers, and most authority resided with the individual states. This structure created challenges in decision-making and governance. The federal government lacked the power to enforce its laws, as it did not have a strong executive branch or a judiciary system. It also struggled to coordinate policies and address national issues effectively, leading to conflicts and inefficiencies. This lack of a strong central authority ultimately hampered the ability of the government to maintain stability and sufficiently deal with internal and external challenges facing the young nation.