Key Limitations of the Articles of Confederation

Introduction

• The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States.
• It established a national government with limited powers, which led to various issues and challenges.

Main Limitations

Lack of Central Authority

• The Articles did not provide for a strong central government.
• Congress had limited powers, especially in terms of taxation and regulation.
• There was no executive branch to enforce laws or federal court system to interpret them.

Financial Issues

• Congress lacked the power to tax and relied on contributions from states, which were often insufficient.
• The government could not pay off war debts or fund its operations effectively.

Interstate Relations

• States retained sovereignty, leading to conflicts and competition over trade.
• Each state could issue its own currency, leading to economic instability.

Military Limitations

• The national government had no power to maintain a standing army.
• It relied on state militias, which were often uncoordinated and insufficient for national defense.

Consequences

• The weaknesses of the Articles led to economic turmoil and political instability.
• Shays' Rebellion highlighted the inability of the government to maintain order and stability.

Conclusion

• These limitations eventually led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which created a stronger federal government.
• The Constitution addressed many of the issues faced under the Articles, leading to a more cohesive and effective national policy.