Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

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The Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

This document explains the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, which lasted from 1781 to 1789. These weaknesses contributed to the creation of the current US Constitution and shaped the country's history.

Weak Central Government

The central government had limited power to enforce laws and resolve disputes between the states. Unlike today, states had the majority of the power. Each state could make its own laws and decisions.

States could act in their own interest without considering the impact on other states, leading to conflicts and a weak national identity

Lack of Power to Tax

"Congress has no power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises..." - Article VIII

What it Means

The national government couldn't levy taxes to pay for federal programs or to reduce debt.

Consequence

The government relied on voluntary contributions from states, which were often insufficient. The national debt increased, and the government couldn't fund essential services, such as the military.

No National Court System

What it Means

There was no national court to settle disputes between states or interpret the laws.

Consequence

States could interpret the laws as they saw fit, and there was no way to enforce national laws or treaties, leading to conflicts and a lack of unity.

No Executive Branch

What it Means

There was no President or other national figure to execute the laws and represent the country to other nations.

Consequence

The government lacked a strong leader and there was no way to enforce national decisions or policies. Other countries didn't take the US seriously as a result.

No national military

Under the articles of Confederation, the central government did not have the power to have a standing army.

States were allowed to each have a state malitia. If something occurred and an army was needed, the central government could only request the states send soldiers.

Cant settle disputes between states

Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government had no power to settle disputes, or arguments, between states. Today, this is done through the Supreme Court, but under the Articles there was no national court system, thus leaving states to fight it out among themselves.

Cant force states to repay their debts

If states borrowed money from the federal government, under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government had no power to make them pay those debts back. It could only request that they pay the debt. This, combined with the inability to tax, left the central government without money to run the country.

Difficult to Pass Laws

"...the assent of nine States shall be necessary for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States." - Article XIII

What it Means

In order for a new law to be added to the Articles of Confederation, nine out of the thirteen states had to agree to the law. It was difficult to pass laws because it required the support of a supermajority of states.

Consequence

The government was slow to respond to national issues, and small states could block important decisions. Congress was often unable to resolve disputes or fund initiatives quickly.

Difficult to Amend

"...nor shall any alteration at any time hereafter be made in any of them; unless such alteration be agreed to in a Congress of the United States, and be afterwards confirmed by the legislatures of every State." - Article XIII

What it Means

In order the change any law in the Articles, the decision had to be unanimous (all 13 states had to agree). It was difficult to amend the Articles of Confederation because it required the unanimous approval of all the states.

Consequence

The government couldn't adapt to changing circumstances or correct mistakes. States could veto amendments that didn't serve their interests, making it impossible to create a strong national identity or respond to external threats.

Inability to Regulate Commerce

What it Means

The national government couldn't regulate trade or create a uniform trade policy, and states could enact their own trade regulations.

Consequence

States could charge tariffs on goods from other states, obstructing interstate commerce. There was no way to negotiate trade deals with other countries or resolve conflicts between states over trade issues.

In Conclusion... The Articles of Confederation were a historic attempt to establish a national government that ultimately failed. By recognizing their weaknesses, however, the founders of the United States were able to create a new constitution that established a strong federal government that still exists today

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