Articles Of Confederation (Strength or Weakness)

...the Department of Treasury, the Department of Postal Service, and the Department of Foreign Affairs were established.

• Strength

• Weakness

Answer explanation

STRENGTH: The Department of Treasury, the Department of Postal Service, and the Department of Foreign Affairs were all important departments that served critical roles in a new nation (established a postal service, admiralty courts, and coin money).

states could print their own money

• Strength

• Weakness

Answer explanation

State-specific currencies were worthless in other states. Having different currencies only made it more difficult for the states to cooperate with one another

..the first organized territory in the West (The Northwest Territory) was created,  consisting of land beyond the Appalachian Mountains and between the Great  Lakes and the Ohio River. 

• Strength

• Weaknesses

Answer explanation

STRENGTH: The new nation was able to expand further West across the continent with the  formation of the Northwest Territory. (Note: While this was viewed as a governmental strength of the Articles of Confederation, it also could be viewed as a weakness in that westward expansion caused the unjust displacement of Native American tribes.)

...there was no national executive or judicial branch.

• Strength

• Weakness

Answer explanation

WEAKNESS: The states maintained all rights that were not specifically given to Congress. Without an executive branch, it was impossible to enforce any acts passed by Congress. Laws were inconsistently enforced by different states. Without a judicial branch, there was no way to settle disputes among the states.

...Congress was the highest power in the nation.

• Strength

• Weakness

Answer explanation

STRENGTH: The U.S. made Congress the highest power out of fear of monarchy. This ensured it was the people (and the representatives they elected) who made decisions for the nation.

...there was no national army or navy.

• Strength

• Weakness

Answer explanation

WEAKNESS: The new nation had no way of protecting itself without an army or navy

...each state was able to make its own trade agreements, including imposing trade taxes on other states.

• Strength

• Weakness

Answer explanation

WEAKNESS: Since Congress did not have the power to regulate foreign and interstate commerce, it was difficult for states to trade with other nations.

...Congress had the power to deal with foreign relations and sign treaties.

• Strength

• Weakness

Answer explanation

STRENGTH: It was important for Congress be able to manage foreign relations and sign peace treaties in order to maintain the new nation’s independence

...any changes to the Articles required a unanimous vote of all states.

• Strength

• Weakness

Answer explanation

WEAKNESS: It was extremely difficult to make changes to the government structure since a unanimous vote was next to impossible.

...Congress had the power to manage Native American affairs.

• Strength

• Weakness

Answer explanation

STRENGTH: It was important for Congress to regulate the relationships with Native Americans, especially in the territories in which the country was expanding. (**Note: While this was viewed as a strength of the Articles of Confederation, it also could be viewed as a weakness in it sparked confrontation with Native American tribes.)