What issues or events highlighted the insufficiency of the power of the central government under the Articles of Confederation? Select all that apply.
To identify the issues or events that highlighted the insufficiency of the power of the central government under the Articles of Confederation, we need to analyze the historical context of that time period. Here are some key issues or events that you should consider:
1. Economic instability: One major issue was the inability of the central government to regulate trade, coin money, or impose taxes effectively. This lack of economic control resulted in economic instability within the newly formed nation.
2. Shays' Rebellion: In 1786-1787, a series of protests by farmers in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays, demonstrated the weaknesses of the central government under the Articles of Confederation. The inability of the national government to suppress the rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger central authority.
3. Inability to enforce laws: Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government lacked the power to enforce the laws it passed. This undermined its ability to maintain order and enforce decisions made by the national government.
4. Lack of a national court system: The absence of a significant national court system limited the central government's ability to resolve disputes between states and address constitutional conflicts. This created confusion and hindered the functioning of the nation as a whole.
5. Difficulties in amending the Articles: The process of amending the Articles of Confederation required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making it nearly impossible to adopt necessary changes. This hindered the ability of the central government to address the pressing issues and adapt to the changing needs of the nation.
6. Inadequate military power: The central government had limited resources to maintain a standing army or effectively defend the nation against foreign threats. This exposed the vulnerability of the United States and highlighted the need for a stronger centralized military force.
By considering these issues and events, we can better understand the insufficiency of the power of the central government under the Articles of Confederation.