Final answer:
The Article of Confederation caused problems such as a weak federal government, lack of a unified military force, and difficulty passing legislation due to the requirement of unanimous consent among states.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Article of Confederation
The Article of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, in effect from 1781 to 1789. It created a weak central government with limited powers and gave most authority to individual states. One of the main problems caused by the Article of Confederation was the lack of a strong federal government that could effectively address national issues. For example, the central government did not have the power to levy taxes or regulate commerce, which hindered economic development and interstate trade.
Another problem was the absence of a unified military force. Under the Articles, each state was responsible for maintaining its own militia, which made it difficult to coordinate defense or respond to threats. This was evident during the Shays' Rebellion in 1786, when a group of Massachusetts farmers rebelled against high taxes and debt.
Additionally, the Article of Confederation required unanimous consent among states to make any amendments, which made it challenging to pass necessary legislation and address changing needs. This lack of flexibility and adaptability highlighted the need for a stronger national government, leading to the eventual creation of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
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