Why did Noah Webster think that, under the Articles of Confederation, the states would work for their own self-interest even if it meant harm to the nation as a whole?
Noah Webster believed that under the Articles of Confederation, each state had significant autonomy and independence. While this autonomy was intended to protect states' rights and prevent a strong central government, Webster believed it could also lead to a situation where states prioritize their own self-interests over the well-being of the nation as a whole.
One key reason for Webster's concern was the limited powers granted to the central government under the Articles of Confederation. The central government had little ability to enforce its decisions, collect taxes, or regulate commerce. This lack of authority meant that states could mostly govern themselves, including making their own economic policies and entering into agreements with foreign nations.
Webster argued that this freedom for individual states could lead to competition and conflicts between them. States, driven by their self-interests, might pursue policies or engage in actions that were beneficial to them but harmful to the nation as a whole. For example, states could establish tariffs to protect their local industries, hindering interstate trade and causing economic conflicts among the states.
Furthermore, Webster believed that without a strong central government to mediate and enforce laws, states might neglect their duties or ignore the needs of other states. He feared that states would prioritize their own prosperity over the well-being of the entire country. This concern was grounded in his observation that human nature, when given unrestrained power, tends to pursue self-interest rather than a common good.
In essence, Webster recognized the potential pitfalls of having a central government with limited powers and states with significant autonomy. He argued that without a stronger central authority, the states would be prone to prioritize their own interests, even if it meant harming the nation as a whole. Webster's concerns were one of the factors that contributed to the push for a stronger and more unified central government, eventually resulting in the drafting and adoption of the United States Constitution.