Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Effects of British Rule:
a. Social and Cultural Impact: British rule influenced the social and cultural fabric of the colonies. English language, customs, and legal systems became prevalent, creating a shared identity among the colonists.
b. Political Impact: British rule established colonial governments that were often organized along similar lines to the British system. This laid the groundwork for later forms of government in the United States.
c. Economic Impact: British policies, such as mercantilism and trade regulations, had significant economic effects on the colonies. It led to both benefits and challenges for the colonial economies.
Articles of Confederation:
The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781 and replaced by the current U.S. Constitution in 1789. While it was an essential step in the formation of the United States, the Articles had several critical problems:
Weak Central Government: The Articles created a weak central government with limited powers. It lacked the authority to tax, regulate trade, and enforce its laws. This weakened the national government's ability to address national issues effectively.
No Executive Branch: The Articles did not establish an executive branch to carry out and enforce laws. This meant that there was no national leader or mechanism to execute the decisions made by the government.
No National Currency: The lack of a national currency meant that each state could issue its own currency, leading to economic chaos and difficulties in conducting interstate trade.
Inability to Regulate Commerce: The national government could not regulate interstate commerce or impose tariffs, leading to trade disputes among the states and hindering economic growth.
Inadequate Defense: The central government had limited authority to raise an army or navy, making it difficult to defend the nation and address security threats effectively.
Unanimous Consent Requirement: Any amendment to the Articles required unanimous approval from all 13 states, making it almost impossible to modify or improve the system when needed.
Financial Problems: The lack of a strong central government and the inability to tax resulted in financial difficulties for the nation. The government faced difficulties repaying war debts and maintaining stability.
Shays' Rebellion: In 1786-1787, a rebellion known as Shays' Rebellion occurred in Massachusetts. It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation in responding to internal unrest and emphasized the need for a stronger central government.
These problems and shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where the current U.S. Constitution was drafted to replace the Articles and create a stronger, more effective federal government.