Topic 1.7 The Articles of Confederation

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Weak Central Government: Limited Powers and Authority

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- The central government had limited power to avoid tyranny. - Could not enforce laws or compel states to comply. - Lacked a standing army, relying on state militias.

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Weak Central Government: Inability to Address National Problems

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- Struggled with interstate conflicts, economic instability, and foreign threats. - Contributed to lack of national unity and international strength.

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Financial Instability: No Power to Levy Taxes

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- Central government couldn't levy taxes, relying on voluntary state contributions. - States often failed to meet financial requisitions, leading to budget shortfalls.

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Financial Instability: Debt from the Revolutionary War

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- Inherited significant debt without a reliable revenue stream. - Inability to pay debts undermined confidence and led to economic distress.

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Financial Instability: Economic Hardship

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- Lack of stable national currency and uniform policies led to economic disarray. - Trade conducted with various state currencies caused confusion.

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Ineffective Commerce Regulation: No Authority over Interstate Commerce

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- Central government couldn't regulate trade between states. - Conflicting state laws and tariffs stifled economic growth.

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Ineffective Commerce Regulation: Difficulty in Negotiating Trade Agreements

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- Unable to negotiate trade agreements with foreign nations. - Limited access to international markets hindered economic development.

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No Executive or Judicial Branch: Unicameral Legislature Only

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- Single-chamber legislature led to inefficiencies and lack of checks and balances.

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No Executive or Judicial Branch: Absence of Executive Leadership

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- No centralized leadership to implement or enforce policies. - Difficult to respond to crises or provide direction.

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No Executive or Judicial Branch: Lack of National Judiciary

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- No mechanism to resolve disputes between states or interpret laws. - Contributed to legal confusion and weakened rule of law.