Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The Articles of Confederation were the first written constitution of the United States, in effect from 1781 to 1789. They served as the framework for the government during and immediately after the American Revolution. The main goal of the Articles of Confederation was to establish a loose confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government.
The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation were as follows:
1. Weak central government: The Articles created a weak central government with limited powers. The central government lacked the authority to enforce laws, regulate trade, or levy taxes, leading to difficulties in governing effectively.
2. Lack of executive and judicial branches: The Articles did not establish an executive branch to enforce laws or a national judiciary to interpret them. This created a power vacuum and hindered the resolution of disputes between states.
3. No power to tax: The central government had no authority to levy taxes, relying on voluntary contributions from states. This resulted in financial instability and difficulty in funding national programs and defense.
4. Inability to regulate commerce: The central government had no power to regulate interstate or foreign commerce. This led to trade disputes between states and hindered economic growth.
5. Unanimous consent required for amendments: The Articles required unanimous consent from all 13 states to amend the document, making it difficult to implement necessary changes and reforms.
6. Lack of unity and coordination: The confederation of states under the Articles faced challenges in achieving unity and cooperation. Each state had its own interests and priorities, leading to conflicts and difficulties in making collective decisions.
7. Inadequate defense system: The central government had limited power to raise an army or maintain a national defense. This left the nation vulnerable to external threats and made it difficult to protect its interests.
These weaknesses ultimately led to the call for a stronger central government, which resulted in the drafting and adoption of the United States Constitution in 1787, replacing the Articles of Confederation and establishing a more robust federal system.