Why do you think we are not governed by the Articles today?
I think we are not governed by the Articles today because it was too weak of a government to be able to force any laws that put into place. Also, states needed protection from other countries and after the Shays Rebellion the states realized they needed a new type of government in order to have the protection
enforce, not force
otherwise ok, but if you google articles of confederation I am sure you will find more.
To understand why we are not governed by the Articles of Confederation today, it is important to know the historical context and the limitations of the Articles.
The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1777 and in effect from 1781 until 1789. This form of government was created after the American Revolutionary War, with the intention of establishing a loose alliance of states with a weak central government.
However, the Articles had several major flaws that led to their eventual replacement by the Constitution.
1. Weak Central Government: The central government under the Articles had limited powers and lacked the ability to enforce laws or collect taxes. It did not have a president or a judicial system, and its legislative body, the Congress, was ineffective at making decisions due to a requirement of unanimous agreement among the thirteen states.
2. Lack of Economic Stability: The Articles did not grant the federal government the power to regulate trade or currency. This caused economic issues among the states, as each state could establish its own trade policies and had the ability to issue its own currency. This lack of uniform economic policies hindered trade and economic growth.
3. Inability to Resolve Disputes: The Articles did not provide a mechanism for resolving disputes between the states. This became evident during the Shays' Rebellion in 1786, when a group of farmers in Massachusetts revolted against high taxes and debt. The central government was unable to respond effectively, highlighting its shortcomings in maintaining domestic order.
As a result of these weaknesses, there was a growing recognition among the states that a stronger central government was needed to address the challenges facing the young nation. This led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where the Constitution of the United States was drafted and eventually ratified in 1789.
The Constitution established a stronger federal government with separated powers and a system of checks and balances. It addressed the shortcomings of the Articles and provided a more effective framework for governance. Today, the United States is governed by the Constitution, which has been adapted and amended over time to reflect changing needs and circumstances.
In summary, we are not governed by the Articles of Confederation today because they were fundamentally flawed and lacked the necessary powers to effectively govern the young nation. The weaknesses of the Articles led to the adoption of the Constitution, which established a stronger and more functional form of government.