Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States from 1781 to 1789, had several major shortcomings that contributed to the drafting and adoption of the Constitution.
Weak central government: Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government was intentionally made weak to avoid the tyranny that the colonists had experienced under British rule. However, this resulted in a lack of central authority, with no power to regulate commerce or levy taxes, leading to financial instability and difficulties in resolving disputes between states.
No executive or judicial branch: The Articles of Confederation established only a unicameral legislature, the Congress, which had no executive or judicial branch to enforce laws or interpret them. As a result, the government was unable to enforce laws or effectively address internal and external threats.
Inability to regulate trade: The Articles of Confederation prohibited the federal government from regulating interstate or foreign commerce, leading to disputes between states and a lack of cohesion in economic policy.
Inability to raise an army: The Articles of Confederation did not provide for a standing army, and the central government had to rely on the states to provide troops during times of war. This led to a lack of military preparedness and made it difficult to respond quickly to threats.
The Constitution addressed these shortcomings in several ways:
Strong central government: The Constitution established a stronger central government with the power to tax, regulate commerce, and make and enforce laws.
Separation of powers: The Constitution created three separate branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial, providing for a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Interstate commerce: The Constitution gave the federal government the power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce, promoting economic unity and preventing states from enacting protectionist policies.
Standing army: The Constitution provided for a standing army and gave the federal government the power to raise and maintain a military force, enabling the United States to better defend itself against threats.
Overall, the Constitution addressed the major shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation by providing for a stronger central government, a system of checks and balances, and the ability to regulate commerce and raise an army.