Article of confederation.
Structure:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
http://www.google.com/#q=Article+of+confederation+structure
http://www.google.com/#q=article+of+confederation+strengths+and+weaknesses
It is all here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articles_of_Confederation
Read closely the section The United States under the Confederation.
After you then do the assignment above, we will be happy to critique your work if you need it.
The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, serving as the governing document from 1781 to 1789. It established a weak central government with most powers held by individual states. Here is an explanation of its structure, strengths, and weaknesses:
1. Structure:
The Articles of Confederation created a unicameral (single-chamber) national legislature called the Congress of the Confederation. Each state had one vote, regardless of its size or population. The Congress was responsible for making laws, regulating foreign affairs, and conducting diplomacy. However, it did not have the power to enforce its laws or collect taxes.
2. Strengths:
a) It provided a framework for the newly independent states to cooperate and work together towards common goals, such as fighting the Revolutionary War and negotiating treaties.
b) The Articles established a system for handling western territorial disputes and organizing new states in the Northwest Territory.
c) It promoted the idea of a limited central government, which protected individual liberties and prevented the concentration of power.
3. Weaknesses:
a) Lack of central authority: The central government created by the Articles of Confederation had limited power, which made it hard to enforce laws or resolve conflicts between states.
b) Inability to levy taxes: The central government could request funds from the states, but it had no authority to levy taxes directly. This resulted in chronic financial problems, as the federal government struggled to fund its operations and fulfill its obligations.
c) No executive branch: There was no president or executive branch to carry out and enforce the laws passed by the Congress. This weakened the ability to administer the government effectively.
d) Difficulty in amending the Articles: Changing or amending the Articles required unanimous agreement among the states, which proved to be challenging and hindered the necessary changes to strengthen the central government.
In summary, the Articles of Confederation established a weak central government with limited powers, leading to several weaknesses, such as the lack of authority to enforce laws, inability to levy taxes, absence of an executive branch, and difficulties in amending the document. Although it provided some level of coordination among the states, these weaknesses ultimately led to the need for a stronger federal government, resulting in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.