Determine if the following aspects of the Articles of Confederation would be considered a STRENGTH or a WEAKNESS of this first constitution.
STRENGTH WEAKNESS
Congress could declare war and coin money
Congress could not regulate trade.
Congress could only pass laws with 9/13 votes.
Congress did not have the power to tax
Congress was responsible for foreign affairs and make treaties.
Courts did not exist to settle disputes between states.
No president to execute the laws.
Prevented the federal government from gaining too much power.
States could determine if they should enforce a law passed by Congress
States had equal representation regardless of size (1 vote each)
States were free to make decisions for themselves
Congress could declare war and coin money
Congress could not regulate trade.
Congress could only pass laws with 9/13 votes.
Congress did not have the power to tax
Congress was responsible for foreign affairs and make treaties.
Courts did not exist to settle disputes between states.
No president to execute the laws.
Prevented the federal government from gaining too much power.
States could determine if they should enforce a law passed by Congress
States had equal representation regardless of size (1 vote each)
States were free to make decisions for themselves
Strengths:
- Congress could declare war and coin money: This gave Congress the authority to handle important national matters and control the country's currency.
- Congress was responsible for foreign affairs and making treaties: This centralized the decision-making process and allowed for consistent and unified diplomatic efforts.
Weaknesses:
- Congress could not regulate trade: This hindered the ability to create a unified economic system and prevent trade disputes between states.
- Congress could only pass laws with 9/13 votes: This made it difficult to pass legislation and achieve consensus among the states.
- Congress did not have the power to tax: This limited the government's ability to generate revenue and fund necessary programs and services.
- Courts did not exist to settle disputes between states: This created a lack of a central authority to resolve conflicts between states.
- No president to execute the laws: This weakened the enforcement of legislation and the execution of national policies.
- States could determine if they should enforce a law passed by Congress: This undermined the authority of the federal government and created inconsistency in law enforcement.
- States had equal representation regardless of size (1 vote each): This disadvantaged larger states, as their population and interests were not adequately represented.
- States were free to make decisions for themselves: This decentralized decision-making and limited the ability to implement cohesive national policies.