Discuss 3 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and how it led to a new Constitution. and plz make it simple
Certainly! Here are three weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and how they led to the creation of a new Constitution:
1. Lack of Central Power: Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government was extremely weak. It didn't have the authority to enforce laws, regulate trade, or collect taxes. This made it difficult to maintain order and unity among the states, as each state had its own laws and currencies. As a result, the national government couldn't effectively address economic problems, such as inflation and debts incurred during the Revolutionary War. This led to the need for a stronger central government.
2. Inability to Amend: To make changes to the Articles of Confederation, all 13 states had to agree unanimously. This was a significant weakness because it made it nearly impossible to pass any amendments or adopt new laws. As a result, the central government was unable to respond swiftly to emerging issues and address the changing needs of the nation. This highlighted the need for a more flexible constitution that allowed for amendments and effective decision-making.
3. Lack of Unity and Defense: Without a strong central authority, the states often acted independently and pursued their own interests. This led to frequent disputes and conflicts among the states. The central government lacked the power to raise an army or navy, making it vulnerable to external threats. The absence of a unified defense system and the inability to coordinate military efforts demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles in ensuring national security. This prompted the need for a new Constitution that could establish a stronger defense system and promote unity among the states.
These weaknesses ultimately paved the way for the drafting of a new Constitution, which aimed to create a stronger central government with the power to enforce laws, regulate trade, raise revenue, and address the needs and challenges of a growing nation.