State sovereignty: Rhode Island was proud of its independence and fiercely protective of its sovereignty. The Articles of Confederation gave states a greater degree of autonomy than the new Constitution, which they saw as a threat to their independence.
Economic concerns: Rhode Island was a small state, and its economy was heavily dependent on trade. They feared the federal government would impose trade restrictions or tariffs that would harm their economy.
Fear of a strong central government: Rhode Island had a history of conflict with the British government, and they were wary of creating a strong central government that could potentially become oppressive. The Articles of Confederation limited the power of the federal government and gave states more control over their affairs, which appealed to Rhode Island.
Concerns about the new Constitution: Rhode Island had several specific concerns about the new Constitution, including the lack of a Bill of Rights, the power of the federal government to regulate interstate commerce, and the absence of a guarantee that the states would retain their sovereignty. They wanted these issues addressed before they would ratify the Constitution.
Rhode Island's reluctance to ratify the Articles of Confederation contributed to the delay in establishing a strong central government for the United States. However, once the new Constitution was ratified, Rhode Island eventually joined the union and became the thirteenth state.