Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Study Notes

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Each state had only one vote in Congress, leading to unequal representation for larger states.
The national government lacked authority to regulate interstate commerce, allowing states to impose tariffs on each other.
Congress had no power to impose taxes, relying on voluntary contributions from states for funding.
The federal government could not enforce laws; states often ignored national tax requests.
Absence of a national military force, leaving the country vulnerable to external threats.
There was no national court system to resolve disputes or interpret laws consistently.
States had the autonomy to print their own currency, undermining economic stability.
Leadership in Congress was weak due to the absence of a single executive (President).
Lacked financial resources to address territorial disputes with Britain and Spain.
Amending the Articles required a unanimous agreement among all states, causing significant delays and difficulties in governance.

Strengths of the Articles of Confederation

Formulated as the first constitution, providing a formal written framework for governance.
Granted Congress the power to declare war and negotiate peace, establishing national sovereignty.
Empowered Congress to manage relations with Native American tribes, facilitating territorial expansion.
Provided support for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, ensuring military organization.
Fostered cooperation among states by promoting coordination and settling inter-state disputes.
Enabled the process for creating new states, allowing for westward expansion and population growth.
Established essential functions like a postal service, military courts, and the issuance of currency.

Description

This quiz explores the significant weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that ultimately led to their replacement by the U.S. Constitution. It covers various issues such as representation, taxation, law enforcement, and interstate commerce. Test your understanding of how these limitations affected early American governance.