Question:

What were the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation in governing the newly formed United States? Discuss three specific weaknesses and explain their impact on the functionality of the government.

Answer:

The Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States from 1781 to 1789, had several major weaknesses that impeded the effective governance of the nation. Three such weaknesses are as follows:

1. Weak Central Government: The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government that had limited powers and authority. The government lacked the power to impose taxes or regulate commerce among the states. Consequently, it faced significant challenges in funding national projects, maintaining a stable economy, and regulating interstate trade. This weakness directly impacted the functionality of the government as it struggled to effectively address economic and financial matters and lacked the means to enforce national laws uniformly.

2. Lack of Executive Authority: The Articles of Confederation did not establish an executive branch with sufficient authority to implement laws and enforce national policies. Although the Congress had the power to make decisions collectively, it lacked a chief executive to execute and lead the government. This absence of executive authority hindered the government's ability to provide consistent leadership, enforce laws, and respond swiftly to emergencies or crises. As a result, the government struggled with decision-making, coordination, and implementation of policies, hampering its effectiveness.

3. Inflexibility and Difficulty of Amendment: The process of making amendments to the Articles of Confederation was extremely challenging. The unanimous consent of all 13 states was required to pass any amendment. This requirement made it almost impossible to make necessary changes to the government structure or address emerging issues effectively. As a result, the government was unable to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, leading to ongoing inefficiencies and shortcomings in its functioning.

In summary, the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation included a weak central government with limited powers, the absence of an executive branch, and the inflexibility of the amendment process. These weaknesses undermined the functionality of the government, hindering its ability to levy taxes, regulate commerce, enforce laws, provide consistent leadership, and adapt to changing circumstances. Consequently, these weaknesses ultimately necessitated the drafting and adoption of a new constitution, resulting in the formation of the strengthened federal government under the United States Constitution in 1789.