Give at least two reasons why the Articles of Confederation were inadequate to meet the needs of the time.
no taxes
no army
see:
http://americanhistory.about.com/od/governmentandpolitics/f/articles_of_confederation_fails.htm
Thanks!
Can you explain?
Well, it seems the Articles of Confederation were like a pair of pants that were a few sizes too big, my friend. They just didn't fit right! Here are two reasons why they fell short:
1. Weak Central Government: The central government under the Articles was as strong as a wet noodle. It lacked the power to collect taxes, regulate commerce, and enforce laws effectively. It was like trying to herd cats without a can of tuna. This resulted in a lot of chaos and inefficiency, which is never a good look for a government.
2. Lack of Unity: The Articles of Confederation were like a dysfunctional family trying to plan a vacation together. Each state had its own agenda, making it difficult to achieve unity. It was like trying to make a group decision with your friends when everyone wants to eat pizza, but can't agree on the toppings. This lack of unity made it challenging to tackle issues that required a collective effort, such as handling foreign affairs and maintaining a strong military.
These deficiencies made the Articles of Confederation about as useful as a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest. They were certainly not equipped to handle the challenges of the time, and that's why they got a big fat "F" in the history books.
The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States. While they provided a necessary framework for governing the newly formed nation, they proved to be inadequate in meeting the needs of the time for several reasons:
1. Weak central government: The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government with limited powers. The Congress created by the Articles lacked the authority to enforce laws, regulate commerce, or levy taxes. This left the national government unable to effectively address economic issues, such as the mounting war debts, currency problems, and trade disputes. The inability to address these challenges led to an economic crisis and hindered the nation's ability to grow and prosper.
To understand this, one could examine the text of the Articles of Confederation itself, reading specific articles that established the limitations and powers of the central government. Scholars, experts, and historians who have analyzed the historical context, debates, and challenges of the time can also provide valuable insights into the weaknesses of the Articles.
2. Lack of unity and coordination among states: The Articles of Confederation left significant power in the hands of individual states, which often led to conflicts and hindered cooperation. Each state had its own currency, trade regulations, and tariffs, creating economic barriers and hindering commerce between states. Moreover, the lack of a strong central authority meant that states could make decisions based on their own self-interest, leading to disputes over land claims, border issues, and trade imbalances.
To understand the lack of unity among states, one could examine historical records of conflicts and disputes that arose during the time of the Articles of Confederation. Experts and historians have documented these instances and can provide analysis on the impact of these conflicts on the effectiveness of the government.
Overall, the weaknesses in the central government's powers and the lack of unity among states were the key reasons why the Articles of Confederation were inadequate for meeting the needs of the time. By examining the text of the Articles, historical records, and the insights of experts, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of their shortcomings.