Question

Identify two areas of concern regarding the Articles of Confederation and how these concerns impacted people in the United States?

Answer 1

The two main concerns regarding the Articles of Confederation were the lack of taxing and regulatory power of the national government, and the necessity for unanimous consent to amend the Articles, leading to financial crises and political stagnation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Concerns Regarding the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation, America’s first constitution, had many limitations that impacted the new nation in significant ways. Two major areas of concern were the lack of power given to the national government and the requirement of unanimous consent for any amendments.

Lack of Power to Tax and Regulate Commerce

Firstly, the national government did not have the authority to impose taxes, which meant it could not raise revenue to pay debts or fund its operations. This severely limited the government’s ability to operate effectively and maintain economic stability. As a result, the United States faced financial crises, struggling to pay off debts from the Revolutionary War and provide for national defense.

Difficulty in Amending the Articles

Secondly, any changes to the Articles of Confederation required unanimous consent from all thirteen states. This requirement made it nearly impossible to adapt or improve the governing document as the needs of the nation evolved, thereby leading to political stagnation and an inability to respond to internal and external challenges efficiently.

These issues among others ultimately led to the drafting of the US Constitution to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and establish a stronger federal government.

Learn more about Articles of Confederation

Answer 2

The Articles of Confederation faced significant issues, notably weak central authority and financial instability. These concerns profoundly impacted the United States, leading to a lack of effective governance and economic challenges.

Step-by-step explanation:

Weak Central Authority: The Articles established a decentralized government with a weak central authority. There was no executive branch to enforce laws, and the central government lacked the power to tax or regulate commerce effectively. This resulted in states acting independently, leading to difficulties in coordinating national policies. For instance, disputes between states over trade and territory were challenging to resolve without a strong central authority.

Financial Instability: The Articles did not grant Congress the authority to levy taxes directly, relying on voluntary contributions from states. This financial instability hindered the government's ability to fund essential functions, including maintaining a military. As a consequence, the U.S. struggled to pay off war debts and faced the risk of economic collapse.