The following Free Response question has two parts.
Name two weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. For each weakness explain how that weakness led to the writing of the US Constitution.
Format your answer as follows:
1. Naming the first weakness, then the explanation of how that weakness led to the writing of the US Constitution
2. Naming the second weakness, then the explanation of how that weakness led to the writing of the US Constitution
(4 points)
0 / 50 Word Limit
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1. One weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the lack of a strong central government. Under the Articles, the central government had limited power and could not effectively enforce laws or collect taxes. This led to economic instability and difficulties in maintaining a functioning nation. In order to address this weakness, the US Constitution was written to establish a stronger federal government with the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and enforce laws. The Constitution created a system of checks and balances that balanced the power between the central government and the states.
2. Another weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the lack of a unified national defense system. The central government had no authority to raise an army or navy, making it difficult to protect the country from external threats. This weakness became evident during the Shays' Rebellion, when a group of farmers in Massachusetts rebelled against high taxes and debt. The inability of the central government to effectively respond to this rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger national defense system. As a result, the US Constitution granted the federal government the power to raise and maintain a standing army, as well as the authority to provide for the common defense of the nation.
1. One weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the lack of a strong central government. Under the Articles, the central government had limited powers and was unable to effectively enforce laws or regulate trade. This weakness led to the writing of the US Constitution because it highlighted the need for a stronger and more unified government that could address the challenges of managing a growing nation.
2. Another weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the difficulty in amending or changing the document. Any amendment required unanimous consent from all 13 states, making it difficult to make necessary revisions or adapt to changing circumstances. This weakness led to the writing of the US Constitution because it showed the need for a more flexible governing document that could be amended more easily to meet the evolving needs of the nation. The Constitution established a process for amendment that required only a two-thirds majority, making it more feasible to update and adapt the government as needed.
To answer this question, let's first identify the two weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation:
1. Lack of Central Government Power:
The first weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the lack of central government power. Under the Articles, the central government had limited authority and could not enforce laws or collect taxes effectively. This resulted in financial problems and an inability to address national issues and emergencies. The central government's weakness was exemplified during Shay's Rebellion when it could not raise an army to suppress the uprising. This weakness led to the writing of the US Constitution as the Founding Fathers realized the need for a stronger central government that could maintain order, levy taxes, and impose regulations necessary to govern a nation effectively.
2. Inefficiency of Amending the Articles:
The second weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the inefficiency in amending them. Changing the Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making it difficult to address necessary reforms. This led to gridlock and hindered the progress of the central government. For example, the inability to pass trade regulations between states led to economic friction and competition among states. The Founding Fathers recognized this flaw and understood the importance of a flexible constitution that could be amended and adapted to societal changes. They sought to develop a system where amendments could be made through a more attainable process and as a result, the US Constitution was written to establish a framework for amending the document.
Overall, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, such as the lack of central government power and the inefficiency of amending them, highlighted the need for a stronger central authority and a more adaptable governing document. These weaknesses served as driving forces behind the writing of the US Constitution, which aimed to address these shortcomings and provide a more effective system of governance for the United States.