The Articles of Confederation was the first document establishing the framework for cooperation between the first 13 colonies that acquired their independence. However, the further development of the state showed that this framework required additional improvements. First of all, Congress was a weak body that was not respected by state governments that wanted to preserve their power and control their territories and resources on their own (“Challenges of the Articles of Confederation,” n.d.). Congress was not provided with the authority to raise funds, regulate taxes, or conduct foreign policy without the agreement of the state’s governments (“Challenges of the Articles of Confederation,” n.d.). Moreover, the delegates often ignored the Congress, which made its functioning less effective and complicated.
The Articles’ weakness was evidenced by the growth of dissatisfaction in the nation and Shay’s Rebellion. It was triggered by the government’s inability to pay veterans as it had poor control over finances (“Challenges of the Articles of Confederation,” n.d.). Moreover, the central government could not put down this military conflict because of the inability to raise a militia and use force (“Challenges of the Articles of Confederation,” n.d.). As a result, the situation demonstrated the Articles of Confederation’s inability to work as a national power and defend the interests of the young state.
Altogether, the extremely weak position of Congress was one of the most evident deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation. The lack of authority to control commerce between the state and foreign nations, problems with contributing money to the national treasury, and inability to use force when necessary became critical aspects explaining the growth of dissatisfaction and federalization. At the same time, the nation acquired a clear understanding of the need for change and the creation of a new framework improving relations between states and helping to create a potent government capable of controlling all aspects of the young nation’s development.
Reference
Challenges of the Articles of Confederation. (n.d.). Khan Academy. Web.