Why Did The Articles Of Confederation Fail? What Reasons? ✓ Solved

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? What reasons m

For this assignment, choose ONE of the writing prompts and write a minimum 300 word essay.

1) Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? What reasons might explain why someone would prefer the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution? What were the biggest benefits of the Constitution over the Articles of Confederation?

Paper For Above Instructions

The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, were the first constitution of the United States. However, this framework of government proved to be fundamentally flawed and led to its eventual replacement by the U.S. Constitution in 1789. The failures of the Articles of Confederation can be attributed to several key factors. Understanding these reasons not only sheds light on the historical context of American governance but also illustrates why some individuals at the time may have preferred the Articles over the subsequent Constitution.

Reasons for the Failure of the Articles of Confederation

One of the primary reasons the Articles of Confederation failed was their lack of a strong central government. The Articles established a confederation of sovereign states that operated independently, leading to conflicts and incoherence in policy making. The central government lacked the authority to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws, rendering it ineffective in responding to national issues such as economic instability and internal rebellions (Friedman, 2020).

Moreover, the requirement for unanimous consent from all states to amend the Articles created a cumbersome and inflexible system. This meant that even minor changes were exceedingly difficult to implement, stifling the ability to adapt to changing political and economic circumstances (Lutz, 2013). The weakness of the Articles was starkly evident during events like Shays' Rebellion, where the central government was powerless to quell the uprising, illustrating its inability to maintain order and uphold the rule of law (Kernell et al., 2019).

Preference for the Articles of Confederation

Despite their inherent weaknesses, some contemporaries preferred the Articles of Confederation. Supporters valued the sovereignty of individual states and feared that a strong central government might lead to tyranny and oppression. The memory of British colonial rule was still fresh, and many citizens were wary of ceding too much power to a centralized authority (Beard, 1913). Some believed that states should maintain the right to govern themselves without interference, arguing that local governance could better address the specific needs of their communities.

This perspective highlighted a significant ideological divide between federalists, who advocated for a stronger national government, and anti-federalists, who were concerned about potential overreach of federal power. The debate between these factions played a central role in the discussions surrounding the ratification of the Constitution (Madison et al., 1788).

Benefits of the Constitution Over the Articles of Confederation

The U.S. Constitution introduced crucial reforms that addressed the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation. One of the most significant changes was the establishment of a strong federal government with clear powers to tax, regulate commerce, and maintain a standing army. This heightened authority allowed the government to respond effectively to domestic disturbances and economic crises (Benson, 2018).

Furthermore, the Constitution created a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This framework aimed to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure that government authority remained accountable to the people (Halberstam, 2007). The Bill of Rights, added shortly after ratification, addressed many concerns regarding individual liberties, providing protections that were largely absent from the Articles (Levy, 1999).

Additionally, the Constitution facilitated greater cooperation among states and established uniform standards for commerce, which bolstered economic growth and reinforced national unity. By creating mechanisms for amendments, the Constitution also allowed for flexibility and adaptability in governance, fostering a more resilient political system (Tuck, 2009).

Conclusion

The Articles of Confederation served as an important early experiment in American governance, but their weaknesses ultimately led to their failure and the formation of the U.S. Constitution. While some citizens preferred the Articles due to their emphasis on state sovereignty and fear of central authority, the Constitution provided essential reforms that promoted a stronger, more effective national government. Understanding this transition offers valuable insights into the foundational principles of American democracy and the ongoing balance between state and federal powers.

References

• Beard, C. A. (1913). An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States. Free Press.
• Benson, B. L. (2018). The Pursuit of Justice and Development: Disciplining State Interests in Emergent Economies. Routledge.
• Friedman, B. (2020). A History of American Law, Revised Edition. Simon and Schuster.
• Halberstam, D. (2007). The Best and the Brightest. Random House.
• Kernell, S., Jacobson, G. C., Kousser, T. J., & Vavreck, L. (2019). The Logic of American Politics. CQ Press.
• Levy, P. I. (1999). Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution. Knopf.
• Lutz, D. S. (2013). Principles of Constitutional Design. Cambridge University Press.
• Madison, J., Hamilton, A., & Jay, J. (1788). The Federalist Papers. New York: J. and A. McLean.
• Tuck, R. (2009). The Rights of War and Peace. Oxford University Press.
• Wood, G. S. (1991). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Knopf.