How were Americans affected by the structure of the government under the Articles of Confederation?
Can I have a link or something to lead me in the right direction?
https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/american-government/the-constitution/the-articles-of-confederation
Under the Articles of Confederation, the structure of the government had a significant impact on Americans. The Articles created a weak central government, which limited its ability to effectively govern the nation. As a result, there were several ways in which Americans were affected:
1. Lack of central authority: The central government had limited powers and was unable to enforce laws or regulate commerce effectively. This led to a lack of cohesion among the states and hindered economic growth and stability.
2. Financial instability: The central government depended on the states for revenue, but there was no mechanism to ensure consistent funding. As a result, the government struggled to pay off debts from the Revolutionary War, leading to financial instability.
3. Weak foreign policy: The central government had little power to negotiate treaties or establish a strong international presence. This weakened the United States' position on the global stage and hindered its ability to secure favorable trade agreements or protect American interests abroad.
4. No national currency: There was no national currency under the Articles, and each state could issue its own form of money. This lack of a uniform currency system created economic chaos and hindered interstate trade.
5. Inadequate defense: The central government had limited authority to raise an army and lacked the power to compel the states to provide troops or contribute to a unified defense effort. This left the nation vulnerable to potential threats and hindered its ability to maintain security.
If you'd like to explore this topic further, here's a link to an article on the National Archives website that provides more in-depth information about the impact of the Articles of Confederation on Americans:
https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2013/fall/articles-confederation.html