Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation's weaknesses, particularly the inability to raise an army, tax, regulate trade, or enforce treaties, led to the need for a stronger federal government as established by the U.S. Constitution. This addressed economic problems and issues like Shays' Rebellion by granting federal powers in these critical areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Changes
The Articles of Confederation established a weak national government, which soon became evident as it faced significant challenges. One critical weakness was the inability of the government to raise its own military forces, as highlighted during events like Shays' Rebellion. To address deficiencies such as the national government's lack of power to tax, regulate trade, and provide for a national defense, the Constitution introduced a stronger federal structure. This included giving the federal government the power to levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce, and maintain a standing army and navy, strengthening the role and authority of the national government. Under the Articles, the national government had no power to enforce foreign treaties or commercial trade agreements effectively, which led to economic strife and discord among the states. The Constitution aimed to create a balance, allowing for a robust federal government capable of handling national issues while still respecting states' rights. Hence, the Constitution was designed to rectify the identified weaknesses of the Articles by reinforcing the federal government's authority in essential areas to ensure the nation's stability and prosperity.