Question

Let’s say you are a businessman, and several states have begun to tax goods coming into their states. They even tax goods shipped through their states to other destinations. This makes it impossible for you. What do you want to ask the government? This is also during the time of the Articles of Confederation, so please answer it and explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

You would likely petition the government to establish federal authority over interstate commerce and the levying of tariffs, to create a more unified and effective economic environment, which was hindered under the Articles of Confederation.

Step-by-step explanation:

As a businessman during the era of the Articles of Confederation, you may seek to request from the government the ability to regulate interstate commerce to address the issue of individual states taxing goods entering or passing through their territories. This economic fragmentation made it exceedingly difficult for businesses to operate across state lines, thereby inhibiting economic growth and creating disparities in trade practices.

Given that only the national government was entitled to regulate trade between states, it would be in your interest to urge for a stronger central authority with this capability. Additionally, a federal system with power to levy tariffs on imports rather than the states would create a uniform trade policy, likely benefitting your business operations. Void of such powers, the government struggled financially, unable to repay debts or fund essential functions, which further stresses the importance of a change in the system.