Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation were replaced by the Constitution because of their weaknesses and inefficiencies in governing the country.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Articles of Confederation, drafted in 1777, served as the first political constitution for the United States. It was a loose agreement between the states that provided limited powers to a weak central government. However, the Articles of Confederation were eventually replaced by the Constitution because they proved to be ineffective in governing the country.
The Articles of Confederation did not grant the central government the power to impose taxes, regulate commerce, or raise an army. As a result, the government was unable to effectively defend the nation, pay its debts, or enforce laws. This weakness became evident during events like Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts, which highlighted the need for a stronger central government.
The Constitution was adopted in 1789 to replace the Articles of Confederation. It created a more powerful federal government that could levy taxes, regulate trade, and maintain a standing army. The Constitution was able to establish a more effective system of governance and address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation.