Loose Confederation: The Articles of Confederation established a very loose form of central government, reserving most powers to the states. This decentralized system allowed for a great deal of local autonomy and flexibility.
Unicameral Legislature: The Articles created a unicameral legislature, the Congress of the Confederation, which was composed of delegates from each state. The unicameral structure made the legislative process relatively simple and efficient.
Equal Representation: Each state had one vote in the Congress of the Confederation, regardless of its size or population. This system ensured that the interests of all states were equally represented.
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation:
Weak Central Government: The central government under the Articles was very weak, lacking the power to tax, regulate commerce, or raise an army. This weakness made it difficult for the country to address critical issues and coordinate national policies.
Unanimous Vote Requirement: Many important decisions in the Congress of the Confederation required unanimous consent, making it challenging to reach agreements and take action.
No Executive or Judicial Branches: The Articles did not establish separate executive or judicial branches of government. As a result, there was no strong leadership or effective mechanism for interpreting and enforcing the laws.
Inability to Regulate Commerce: The central government could not regulate interstate or foreign commerce. This lack of regulatory power prevented the country from addressing trade disputes and promoting economic growth.
No Power to Tax: The Congress of the Confederation did not have the authority to impose taxes. Instead, it relied on voluntary contributions from the states, which resulted in an unpredictable and inadequate source of revenue.
Weak National Defense: The absence of a standing army and adequate military forces made the country vulnerable to foreign threats and unable to effectively defend its interests.
Inability to Resolve Interstate Disputes: The Articles offered no formal mechanism for resolving conflicts between states, leading to tensions and disagreements among them.
Ineffectiveness and Frustration: Over time, the weaknesses of the Articles became increasingly apparent. The central government faced numerous challenges in addressing internal and external issues, leading to frustrations and demands for a stronger national government.
The limitations of the Articles of Confederation became glaringly apparent following the Revolutionary War as the new nation struggled to address its financial obligations, regulate trade, and coordinate diplomatic relations. These weaknesses made it clear that a more robust and efficient system of government was needed, leading to the development and ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1789.