Why would the rule about needing a unanimous vote (all 13 states) to change the Articles of Confederation prove to be a terrible idea?
The rule about needing a unanimous vote from all 13 states to change the Articles of Confederation proved to be a terrible idea for several reasons:
1. Slow and inefficient decision-making: Requiring unanimous consent from all 13 states to change the Articles meant that any proposed amendment would face significant delays and potential blockages. This led to a cumbersome decision-making process, making it difficult to address urgent issues or make necessary changes promptly.
2. Lack of flexibility: The unanimous vote requirement severely limited the ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances. As the new nation grew and evolved, different regions had different needs and priorities. Requiring unanimity made it extremely challenging to address these diverse concerns and find common ground.
3. Inability to address economic issues: The Articles of Confederation lacked the power to impose taxes or regulate trade effectively. Any attempt to rectify these shortcomings would require a unanimous vote, making it nearly impossible to implement measures that could stabilize the national economy or resolve disputes between states regarding commerce.
4. Paralysis during conflicts: In moments of crisis or conflicts, unanimous voting requirements resulted in paralysis. For instance, during the War of 1812, when the United States faced hostilities with Britain, attempts to levy war taxes or raise an army were thwarted due to the need for unanimous approval. Such delays significantly undermined the ability of the federal government to act swiftly and decisively in critical situations.
5. States' rights over national interest: The unanimity requirement elevated states' rights over the national interest. It allowed individual states to prioritize their own interests and priorities over the collective welfare and unity of the nation. This undermined the goal of creating a strong and cohesive federal government, as states could easily veto or obstruct any proposals that did not align with their own narrow interests.
Overall, the unanimous vote requirement in changing the Articles of Confederation proved to be a terrible idea because it hindered effective decision-making, limited flexibility, impeded economic progress, resulted in paralysis during conflicts, and prioritized states' interests over the national interest.