Name two weaknesses of the articles of confederation
There are a few weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, but two significant ones are:
1) Lack of central authority: The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government that had limited powers. There was no executive branch or judiciary, and the central government was not able to enforce laws or regulate commerce effectively. This lack of central authority made it difficult to coordinate and enforce national policies, leading to inconsistencies and conflicts among the states.
2) Inadequate financial system: Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government had limited power to collect taxes or regulate trade. This resulted in financial instability, as the government struggled to raise funds to cover its expenses. The inability to levy taxes or control trade also meant that the government could not repay its debts or fund necessary infrastructure and defense projects. This financial weakness had severe consequences for the country, leading to economic struggles and a lack of faith in the government's ability to manage the nation's finances.
1. Lack of central authority: One weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the absence of a strong central government. Under this system, the central government had limited powers and lacked the ability to enforce its laws or collect taxes effectively. This created difficulties in maintaining order and executing policies on a national level.
2. Inability to regulate commerce and trade: Another weakness was the inability of the central government to regulate commerce and trade between the states. This resulted in economic difficulties, as each state had its own trade policies and regulations, making it challenging to establish a unified and prosperous economy. It also led to conflicts between states, such as trade disputes and tariffs, which hindered economic growth.
Two weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation were:
1. Weak Central Government: The central government established under the Articles of Confederation was intentionally kept weak in order to prevent a concentration of power, as the American colonists were wary of the kind of abuse they had experienced under British rule. However, this weakness resulted in a lack of authority and effectiveness. The national government had no power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce its laws. It relied on voluntary contributions from the states, which often fell short, leading to financial instability and an inability to fund basic functions such as defense and diplomacy.
2. No Executive Branch: The Articles of Confederation did not provide for an independent executive branch of government. Instead, it relied solely on a unicameral legislature called the Congress of Confederation. This lack of an executive branch meant there was no central leader to enforce laws or carry out important administrative functions. Decisions were made collectively by the states, and the national government had no power to enforce its decisions. This made it difficult to maintain unity, coordinate actions, and respond to emergencies effectively.
To obtain this answer, you can consult historical texts, treaties, or scholarly articles that discuss the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Additionally, you can look at primary sources such as the text of the Articles themselves, contemporary debates, or historical analyses from the period to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.