What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation stemmed from several significant limitations that hindered effective governance. The absence of a strong central government made it challenging to maintain order, create cohesive policies, and respond to national issues.

Without the power to levy taxes, the federal government struggled to raise funds necessary for operating expenses, such as military defense and public services. This limitation hampered its ability to respond to threats or manage debts incurred during the Revolutionary War. Furthermore, the inability to regulate trade led to economic difficulties, as states could impose tariffs on one another and create confusion regarding interstate commerce, which further fractured the unity of the nation.

Additionally, the lack of executive and judicial branches meant that there was no framework for enforcing laws or resolving disputes. This created a system that was largely ineffective in addressing conflicts or implementing decisions, leading to a governance structure that was too weak to manage the country effectively.

Each of these elements highlights fundamental flaws in the Articles, demonstrating that the combination of these weaknesses ultimately led to the decision to draft the United States Constitution, which sought to establish a more balanced and powerful federal government. Therefore, the identification of all these weaknesses is crucial to understanding why the Articles of Confederation failed as a governing document.