Directions: Begin by reading the areas of concern regarding the Articles of Confederation. Consider how these areas of concern would create problems for the nation. After considering the problems, determine how the Constitution addressed or fixes these areas of concern.
The national government had to request states for troops. What problem(s) would this create?
The problem with the national government having to request states for troops is that it could lead to delays and inefficiencies in responding to national emergencies or threats. If the states are not willing or capable of providing the necessary troops, it could leave the nation vulnerable and unable to protect itself adequately. Additionally, dependence on the states could lead to discrepancies in the quality and quantity of troops provided, raising concerns about fairness and effectiveness in national defense.
The Constitution addressed this concern by granting the federal government the power to raise and maintain its own army. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution specifically gives Congress the authority to "raise and support Armies" and "provide and maintain a Navy." This provision ensures that the national government has the ability to protect and defend the nation without relying solely on the states. By having the power to organize and maintain its own military forces, the federal government can respond more efficiently to emergencies and national security threats.
The problem with the national government having to request states for troops under the Articles of Confederation is that it created a significant delay and inefficiency in responding to potential threats or emergencies.
1. Lack of cohesion: Since the states individually possessed the power to raise troops, it created a lack of coordination and unity among the states. This made it difficult to quickly assemble and deploy a strong and cohesive military force when the need arose.
2. Slow response time: As the national government had to make requests to the states for troops, it often took a considerable amount of time for the states to respond. This delay could be detrimental in cases of urgent need, such as during times of war or in response to rebellions or uprisings.
3. Inadequate defense capabilities: Relying on states to provide troops meant that the national government had limited control over the size and strength of the military forces. It was challenging to ensure a sufficient and well-equipped military to defend the nation effectively and provide for the common defense.
4. Disputes and reluctance among states: Some states may have been unwilling or unable to send troops when requested. This could lead to disagreements and conflicts among the states, undermining the unity and stability of the nation.
How the Constitution addressed or fixed these areas of concern:
The Constitution sought to address these concerns by granting more power to the national government and providing for a stronger and more unified approach to defense and military matters.
1. National standing army: The Constitution gave the federal government the authority to maintain a standing army. This allowed for a more efficient response to national security threats, as the national government no longer had to rely solely on the states for troops.
2. Exclusive power to Congress: The Constitution also provided Congress with the power to raise and support armies, giving the federal government the authority to control and administer a unified military force. This centralized power enabled better coordination, response time, and overall defense capabilities.
3. Supremacy clause: The Supremacy Clause in the Constitution further ensured that the federal government had the authority to enforce its decisions and policies, including matters of defense and military. This helped to prevent disputes and conflicts among the states in matters of defense.
Overall, the Constitution addressed the concerns related to the national government requesting states for troops by granting more power and authority to the federal government, specifically in raising and maintaining a standing army. This helped to improve coordination, response time, and the overall defense capabilities of the nation.
The problem with the national government having to request states for troops under the Articles of Confederation was that it severely limited its ability to defend and protect the nation effectively. Here's how you can understand why this was a problem and how the Constitution addressed and fixed this concern:
1. Read about the Articles of Confederation: Start by reading about the Articles of Confederation, which was the first governing document of the United States from 1781 to 1789. Understand its structure and the limited powers it granted to the national government.
2. Identify the concern: One area of concern regarding the Articles of Confederation was that the national government had to rely on the states to provide troops. This means that if the national government needed to raise an army to defend the nation or respond to an external threat, it could only request states for troops, but it did not have direct control over forming a strong military on its own.
3. Understand the problems created: This setup created several problems for the nation. Firstly, it resulted in significant delays and inefficiencies in mobilizing troops. The states had their own priorities and interests, and they were not always willing or able to respond quickly to the national government's requests. This slow response time could have disastrous consequences in times of emergency or war.
4. Analyze the Constitution's solution: The Constitution addressed this concern by creating a stronger central government with the power to raise and maintain its own armed forces. Under the Constitution, the national government was granted the authority to directly control the military, including the ability to recruit, train, and command troops without having to rely solely on the states.
5. Recognize the impact of the solution: This change significantly improved the nation's ability to defend itself. It allowed the national government to respond rapidly and effectively to threats, ensuring the security and stability of the country. By vesting the power of raising and maintaining troops in the central government, the Constitution strengthened the national defense capabilities and provided a more unified and efficient military structure.
6. Consider related provisions: To fully understand how the Constitution addressed this concern, you may want to explore related provisions, such as the supremacy clause, which established federal law as the supreme law of the land, and the necessary and proper clause, which gave the national government the authority to pass laws necessary for its functioning. These provisions played a part in strengthening the central government and addressing the limitations of the Articles of Confederation.
By following these steps, you should now have a clear understanding of the problem created by the national government having to request states for troops under the Articles of Confederation, as well as how the Constitution addressed and fixed this concern by granting the central government the power and authority to raise and control its own armed forces.