Identify one weakness of the Articles of Confederation, and explain how the Constitution addressed that problem. (minimum of 4 sentences) You can include what the weakness is, why that weakness was a weakness, how the constitution addressed the weakness, and why it was important to fix the problem.
One weakness of the Articles of Confederation was its inability to effectively tax and regulate trade. Under the Articles, the central government lacked the power to impose taxes, which meant it was unable to generate revenue to fund its operations. Moreover, the central government had no control over interstate trade, which led to conflicts and economic inefficiencies.
To address this problem, the Constitution granted the federal government the power to levy taxes and regulate commerce. This was done through Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, which specifically empowered Congress to collect taxes and regulate interstate commerce. By granting this authority, the Constitution aimed to provide the federal government with the necessary resources to operate effectively and create a unified national economy.
Fixing this problem was important because without the power to tax and regulate trade, the central government was severely limited in its ability to carry out its functions. It was unable to raise funds to pay off war debts, maintain a standing army, or provide for the general welfare of its citizens. Additionally, the lack of control over interstate trade created barriers and conflicts among the states, hindering economic growth and cooperation. By addressing this weakness through the Constitution, a stronger and more functional central government was established, allowing for greater stability and economic prosperity.