Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation were replaced instead of strengthened to address the limitations and weaknesses of the weak central government it created. Events like Shays' Rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger federal government with essential powers to govern the new nation effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Articles of Confederation were replaced instead of just strengthened because they created a weak central government that was unable to effectively govern the new nation. The Articles had limitations and deficiencies that hindered the government's ability to deal with economic issues, rebellions, and interstate conflicts. The need for a stronger federal government became evident after events like Shays' Rebellion and the realization that the central government lacked essential powers like taxation and raising an army.