The National Government is the central authority in a country, responsible for governing at the highest level, making laws, and overseeing the administration of public policy. In the context of the Articles of Confederation, it faced significant challenges due to its limited powers, which hindered effective governance and led to issues such as economic instability and lack of military strength. The inadequacies of the National Government under the Articles eventually prompted calls for a stronger federal system, which culminated in the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Under the Articles of Confederation, the National Government lacked the power to tax, which made it difficult to raise funds for essential services and military needs.
The National Government's inability to regulate commerce between states led to economic disputes and trade barriers that hampered growth.
Shays' Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the National Government by demonstrating its failure to maintain order and respond to civil unrest.
The lack of a strong executive branch meant that there was no single leader to enforce laws or coordinate national policies effectively.
Ultimately, the challenges faced by the National Government under the Articles contributed to a movement towards a more robust federal system, leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
Review Questions
How did the limitations of the National Government under the Articles of Confederation contribute to various social and economic issues during that period?
The limitations of the National Government under the Articles of Confederation directly resulted in several social and economic issues. For instance, without the power to tax, it struggled to fund essential services and military efforts. This led to economic instability, as seen during events like Shays' Rebellion, where farmers protested against economic hardships exacerbated by government inaction. The inability to regulate interstate commerce further fueled disputes among states, creating an environment rife with tension and conflict.
What were some key events that revealed the weaknesses of the National Government under the Articles of Confederation?
Several key events highlighted the weaknesses of the National Government under the Articles. One significant event was Shays' Rebellion, where disenfranchised farmers protested against high taxes and debt collection practices due to government inaction. Additionally, interstate trade disputes arose as there was no central authority to regulate commerce, leading states to impose tariffs on each other. These incidents underscored how a lack of federal power impeded effective governance and created unrest among citizens.
Evaluate how the shortcomings of the National Government under the Articles prompted changes that shaped future American governance.
The shortcomings of the National Government under the Articles were pivotal in shaping future American governance. The inability to effectively manage economic crises, maintain order, and enforce laws led to widespread calls for reform. This dissatisfaction ultimately resulted in the Constitutional Convention, where delegates recognized the need for a stronger federal government. The subsequent creation of the U.S. Constitution established a more balanced system with separated powers, addressing many weaknesses that had plagued governance under the Articles and laying a foundation for a more resilient national framework.
A gathering in 1787 where delegates from the states convened to address the problems arising from the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.