why did many people call for changes to the articles of confederation?
The Articles of Confederation proposed a weak federal government and strong state governments. Those who opposed these articles wanted a strong federal government in order to build a strong nation.
Many people called for changes to the Articles of Confederation because they found the existing system to be flawed and inadequate in governing the newly formed United States. The Articles of Confederation, which were adopted as the first constitution in 1781, created a weak central government that lacked the power to effectively address various issues facing the nation.
Here's how you can explain this in more detail:
1. Weak national government: The Articles of Confederation established a system where power was concentrated in the individual states rather than a strong central government. This led to problems as the central government had limited authority and could not enforce its decisions. For example, it could not collect taxes or regulate commerce among the states.
2. Economic issues: The lack of a national taxing authority made it difficult for the central government to generate revenue, resulting in financial difficulties. This caused problems in paying off war debts and maintaining a stable economy. Additionally, states often enacted trade barriers against each other, hindering interstate commerce and economic growth.
3. Foreign relations: The central government under the Articles of Confederation was unable to effectively handle foreign affairs. It could not negotiate treaties or trade agreements, leaving the states vulnerable to international conflicts and trade disputes. The lack of unity in foreign relations made the United States appear weak and disorganized on the global stage.
4. Inadequate legislative structure: The Articles of Confederation established a unicameral legislature where each state had only one vote, regardless of size or population. This gave smaller states disproportionate power, leading to potential conflicts and inequities in decision-making.
Considering these flaws, many people, including influential figures such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, felt that the Articles of Confederation needed significant revisions. This ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where the United States Constitution was drafted to replace the Articles and establish a stronger and more effective central government.