Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation had strengths such as the power to negotiate treaties and settle conflicts, but it also had weaknesses like the inability to impose taxes and the lack of a strong central authority. A new, stronger government was necessary to address these issues and provide better governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Social Studies, specifically the topic of the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, which created a weak central government and a loose alliance of states. In terms of the powers of Congress, under the Articles of Confederation, Congress had the power to declare war, make peace, enter into treaties, raise and equip a navy, maintain an army, and appoint high-ranking military officers. These powers allowed Congress to take actions related to national defense and foreign affairs.
As for the strengths of the new government under the Articles of Confederation, two of them were the ability to negotiate treaties with foreign nations and the ability to settle conflicts between states. With the power to enter into treaties, Congress could establish diplomatic relations and trade agreements that benefited the United States. Additionally, the power to settle conflicts between states helped maintain peace and prevent disputes from escalating into larger conflicts.
However, the Articles of Confederation also had weaknesses. Two major weaknesses were the lack of power to impose taxes and the lack of a strong central authority. Without the ability to tax, Congress struggled to raise funds to support the government, resulting in financial difficulties. Furthermore, the lack of a strong central authority meant that Congress had limited enforcement powers and could not effectively enforce laws or regulate commerce between states.
A new, stronger government was deemed necessary because the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation hindered effective governance and threatened the stability of the nation. The inability to tax led to financial instability, which limited the ability of the government to address economic challenges. Additionally, the lack of a strong central authority caused difficulties in making and implementing collective decisions, leading to a sense of disunity and potential conflicts between states. A new government with increased powers and a better structure was needed to address these issues and provide a more stable and effective governing system for the United States.
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