what event showed the need for a stronger federal government?
The American Revolution
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The event that showed the need for a stronger federal government in the United States was the Constitutional Convention held in 1787. This convention was called after years of difficulties under the Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the newly independent United States.
To understand why the need for a stronger federal government emerged, it is important to first recognize the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The central government under the Articles of Confederation was intentionally weak in order to avoid the tyranny that had been experienced under British rule. However, this weak central authority led to numerous problems.
One of the key issues was the inability of the central government to levy taxes or regulate trade. This meant that there was no consistent source of revenue for the federal government, and it resulted in a financial crisis. Additionally, the lack of control over interstate commerce created economic issues and inconsistent trade policies among the states.
Another major problem was the absence of a strong executive branch. There was no president or central figure with the power to enforce laws or execute decisions. This created a lack of enforcement power, making it difficult for the government to manage internal conflicts and maintain order.
Furthermore, the lack of a unified foreign policy led to difficulties in international relations. Each state was free to conduct its own foreign affairs, which resulted in inconsistent diplomatic efforts and weakened the overall position of the United States on the global stage.
In light of these challenges, the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was convened with the goal of addressing the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation. During this convention, the delegates drafted the United States Constitution, which created a stronger federal government compared to the previous system. The Constitution established a three-branch government, including an executive branch led by a president, a bicameral legislature with the power to levy taxes and regulate commerce, and a judicial branch to interpret and administer the law.
In summary, the Constitutional Convention of 1787 demonstrated the need for a stronger federal government due to the weaknesses and failures of the Articles of Confederation. The resulting United States Constitution aimed to address these problems by establishing a more powerful central authority.