What were the strengths of the Article of Confederation and what were the weakenesses?

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The strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation can be examined by analyzing the key features of this early form of government for the United States. To understand its strengths and weaknesses, we need to examine the structure and powers granted to the federal government under the Articles of Confederation.

Strengths of the Articles of Confederation:
1. Sovereignty: The Articles of Confederation established a system where the states retained their sovereignty and independence. This meant that each state had control over its own affairs, allowing for a decentralized government.
2. Limited Powers: The central government under the Articles had limited powers, which was viewed as a strength by those who were wary of creating a strong central authority. This safeguarded states' rights and protected against potential tyranny.
3. Served as a Unifying Document: The Articles of Confederation acted as the first constitution of the United States, providing a framework for cooperation among the states during the Revolutionary War and the early years of independence.
4. Northwest Ordinance: The Articles of Confederation established the Northwest Ordinance, which defined the process for admitting new states to the Union. This was an important step towards expanding the nation.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation:
1. Lack of Central Authority: One of the most significant weaknesses of the Articles was the absence of a strong central government. This meant that the federal government had limited powers and lacked the authority to enforce laws or resolve conflicts between states effectively.
2. No Executive or Judicial Branch: The Articles did not establish an executive branch or a national court system. This led to weak enforcement of laws and the absence of a mechanism to resolve disputes between states, hindering effective governance.
3. Inadequate Revenue System: Under the Articles, the federal government could ask states for funds, but it had no authority to directly tax individuals or regulate commerce. This made it difficult to generate revenue and left the government in a constant financial crisis.
4. Difficulty in Amending the Articles: Amending the Articles of Confederation required the unanimous consent of all 13 states, making it practically impossible to make necessary changes or reforms. This hindered the ability to address the shortcomings of the system.

To summarize, the strengths of the Articles of Confederation lay in the preservation of states' sovereignty, limited central government powers, and serving as a unifying document, while weaknesses included the lack of central authority, absence of executive and judicial branches, inadequate revenue system, and difficulties in amending the Articles.