with the improvement in transportation and communication, would the original articles of confederation work for all 50 states today?
Explain why?
I don't see why not.
What parts of the Articles do you think would be affected by improvements in transportation and communication?
As I reread the summary of the articles, I was struck that paupers couldn't go from state to state. I don't know how that would have been enforced then or now.
To determine if the original Articles of Confederation would work for all 50 states today, we need to understand the context in which they were created and consider the changes in transportation and communication since then.
The Articles of Confederation were created in 1777 as the first constitution of the United States. At that time, the United States was a loose confederation of independent states with limited central powers. However, the Articles had several shortcomings that eventually led to their replacement with the current Constitution in 1787.
One key flaw of the Articles was the weak central government it established. Under the Articles, the central government lacked the power to effectively enforce laws, levy taxes, regulate trade, or resolve disputes between states. This created numerous challenges in governing the young nation.
Now, let's consider the impact of transportation and communication on the effectiveness of the Articles. In the late 18th century, transportation was slow and limited primarily to land and sea travel. Communication was also slow, relying on handwritten letters and messengers. This means that coordinating actions across the widely dispersed states was challenging, often resulting in delays and inefficiencies.
Fast forward to today, transportation and communication have undergone significant advancements. We have high-speed air travel, an extensive network of roads and railways, and instant communication through technologies like the internet and smartphones. These advancements have facilitated trade, travel, and communication, enabling a more interconnected and interdependent society.
Given these changes, it is unlikely that the original Articles of Confederation would be effective for all 50 states today. The weak central government and limited powers outlined in the Articles would struggle to address the complex and interconnected challenges of our modern society.
In contrast, the current Constitution established a stronger central government with the ability to regulate commerce, levy taxes, and address national issues. Amendments and interpretations over the years have allowed it to adapt to changing circumstances. The current Constitution provides a framework for a federal system that can effectively govern and balance the needs and interests of the states while also addressing national concerns.
In conclusion, while the Articles of Confederation served a purpose during a different era, the advancements in transportation and communication, along with the increasing complexity of modern governance, make it impractical for all 50 states today. The current Constitution provides a more robust structure to meet the needs of our interconnected society.