explain two weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

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1) Did not give enough power to the federal government

2) No national currency

The Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the United States, had several weaknesses that ultimately led to its replacement with the Constitution. Let's discuss two of these weaknesses:

1. Weak Central Government: One significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the limited power given to the central government. The federal government had no executive branch and no ability to enforce laws or regulate commerce between states. It relied heavily on the cooperation of the states to carry out its decisions, which often led to inefficiency and gridlock. The lack of a strong central authority hindered the government's ability to effectively address national issues and maintain unity among the states.

To get a better understanding of this weakness, you can examine primary sources such as the text of the Articles of Confederation and historical documents like the Federalist Papers, which provide insight into the discussions and debates surrounding the need for a stronger central government.

2. Financial Challenges: The Articles of Confederation also faced significant financial challenges. The federal government had no power to levy taxes directly, which made it heavily dependent on voluntary contributions from the states. Since the central government had no means to enforce tax collection, many states neglected to contribute regularly or withheld their payments altogether. Consequently, the Confederation Congress often struggled with a lack of funds to support its operations, maintain a standing army, and repay war debts.

To explore this weakness further, you can study historical records like letters, debates, and financial reports from the time period. Examining the debates over funding and the struggles faced by the federal government can provide insights into the financial challenges of the Articles of Confederation.

By researching primary and secondary sources from the era, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the factors that led to its eventual replacement with the more robust Constitution.