Name two weaknesses of the articles of confederation for each weakness explain how that weakness led to the writing of the US Constitution
Weakness 1: Lack of central government power
Explanation: The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government with limited powers. This lack of central authority hindered the government's ability to enforce laws, regulate trade, and collect taxes effectively. It also resulted in inconsistent state laws and policies, leading to economic instability and conflicts between states.
How it led to the writing of the US Constitution: The weakness of the central government under the Articles of Confederation led to the recognition that a stronger central authority was necessary to maintain order and promote economic stability. This led to the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of the US Constitution, which established a stronger federal government with the power to regulate trade, levy taxes, and enforce laws throughout the entire nation.
Weakness 2: Inability to amend the Articles of Confederation
Explanation: The Articles of Confederation required unanimous agreement among all the states for any amendment to be made. This unanimity requirement made it nearly impossible to amend the Articles, as even a single state could veto proposed changes. As a result, necessary reforms or adaptations to the government structure were difficult to achieve.
How it led to the writing of the US Constitution: The inability to amend the Articles of Confederation effectively highlighted the need for a new constitution that could be more easily modified to accommodate changing circumstances and address the evolving needs of the country. The framers of the US Constitution recognized the importance of a flexible and adaptable governing framework, leading them to create a system that allowed for future amendments and revisions.
Weakness 1: Lack of Central Authority
Explanation: Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government had limited powers, and there was no strong executive branch to enforce laws or decisions.
Consequence leading to the writing of the US Constitution: This weakness became apparent during times of crisis, such as Shays' Rebellion in 1786. The lack of a central authority made it difficult for the government to maintain order or respond effectively to economic or political challenges. Consequently, it became clear that a stronger central government was necessary to address these issues, leading to the writing of the US Constitution.
Weakness 2: Inadequate Economic Powers
Explanation: The Articles of Confederation did not empower the central government with the authority to levy taxes or regulate trade among the states. This resulted in financial instability and hindered the government's ability to promote economic growth.
Consequence leading to the writing of the US Constitution: The economic weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation became apparent when the central government faced difficulty in financing its operations or paying off war debts. Additionally, trade disputes between states and difficulties in establishing a unified national currency demonstrated the need for a stronger central authority with economic powers. These issues ultimately led to the writing of the US Constitution, which granted the federal government the authority to levy taxes, regulate trade, and establish a more stable economic system.
Two weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation are:
1. Lack of Centralized Power: The central government under the Articles of Confederation had limited authority and lacked the power to enforce laws and regulate commerce. This weakness became evident as it hindered the ability of the government to address national issues and effectively govern the states. For example, there was no national currency, leading to economic chaos as each state could issue its own currency. This weakness highlighted the need for central authority to regulate and unify the country's economic system, which prompted the writing of the US Constitution.
2. Inadequate Federal Finances: The Articles of Confederation did not provide a mechanism for the central government to levy taxes. This created a significant obstacle in funding the national government's activities, including defense, maintaining stability, and repaying debts. As a result, the government was heavily reliant on voluntary contributions from states, which often fell short. This financial instability highlighted the necessity for a more robust taxation system that would provide a stable revenue stream for the federal government. It directly contributed to the writing of the US Constitution, which empowered the federal government with the authority to levy taxes and regulate commerce.
These weaknesses, along with several others, highlighted the flaws in the Articles of Confederation. They demonstrated the urgent need for a stronger central government that could effectively govern the states, regulate commerce, provide for national defense, and secure financial stability. These factors led to the eventual writing of the US Constitution, which established a more balanced system of government with increased federal powers and addressed the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation.