What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation in governing the United States? Which weaknesses were the most important in spurring leading citizens in the young republic to call for a Constitutional Convention to address these shortcomings?

Question

Answer:

Answer 1

An ideal answer will:
1. Emphasize that the loose federation of states governed by the Articles of Confederation was too weak a foundation upon which to base a central government.
2. State that state legislatures were too strong in influencing economic matters and permitting mob rule and actions by debtors, such as farmers who stopped trials and assumed control of court houses because they would not pay their legal debts.
3. Note that the Articles of Confederation requirement that Congress had to have all 13 states agree to any tax passed by Congress proved too onerous.
4. Assert that the loss of faith in U.S. government's ability to pay off its debts, including its wartime debts, and the financial crisis this caused could not be effectively addressed by the Articles of Confederation.
5. Illustrate how the ability to raise a strong army to protect the nation's western and southern frontier from Indian attacks was hampered by the economic restrictions and limitations of the Articles of Confederation.
6. Note that the Articles of Confederation lacked an executive branch, including a president and cabinet, to manage and lead the central government.
7. Write an effective and concise conclusion.