The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, in effect from 1781 to 1789. They served as the framework for the newly formed nation, establishing a weak central government and granting significant power to the individual states. However, George Washington and many other Founding Fathers considered the Articles of Confederation a failure for several reasons:
1. Weak Central Government: The Articles created a central government that lacked sufficient authority and resources to effectively govern the country. The central government had limited powers and could not enforce its laws or regulate commerce effectively. It had no power to levy taxes, which led to financial difficulties and an inability to pay off war debts. As a result, the government struggled to maintain stability and address national issues.
2. Inadequate Economic System: The Articles did not establish a strong economic system to promote trade and economic growth. Each state had its own currency and trade regulations, leading to economic chaos and barriers to commerce between states. The lack of a unified economic policy hindered the development of a strong national economy and impeded the country's ability to compete internationally.
3. Inefficiency in Decision-Making: Under the Articles, major decisions required the approval of nine out of thirteen states, making it difficult to pass legislation and enact meaningful reforms. This cumbersome process slowed down decision-making and hindered the government's ability to respond effectively to crises or address pressing issues. It often resulted in gridlock and a lack of cohesive action at the national level.
4. Inability to Maintain Order: The central government established by the Articles had limited authority to maintain law and order. It lacked the power to raise a national army or regulate the militia, making it difficult to respond to internal rebellions or threats to national security. The Shays' Rebellion in 1786, a revolt by farmers in Massachusetts, highlighted the weaknesses of the central government in maintaining domestic stability.
5. Lack of Unity and Coherence: The Articles of Confederation created a loose alliance of states rather than a strong and unified nation. Each state had its own interests and priorities, often conflicting with the needs of the nation as a whole. This lack of unity made it challenging to achieve common goals and undermined the effectiveness of the central government.
In summary, George Washington and others viewed the Articles of Confederation as a failure due to the weak central government, inadequate economic system, inefficiency in decision-making, inability to maintain order, and lack of unity. These shortcomings prompted calls for a stronger federal government, leading to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the subsequent drafting of the United States Constitution.