Ineffectual Central Government:
One of the most profound weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was the inadequate power accorded to the central government. The federal government had no executive branch, rendering it incapable of enforcing laws or effectively managing governance. The Articles primarily vested authority in the individual states, limiting the ability of the central government to address national issues.
Lack of Coercion Authority:
The federal government established under the Articles lacked the ability to compel states to comply with its policies and regulations. This lack of coercive power often rendered federal decrees ineffective, leading to instances of state defiance.
Weak Economic Policies:
The Articles of Confederation failed to provide adequate mechanisms for regulating trade and commerce, leading to economic instability. The individual states enacted tariffs and regulations that hindered interstate trade, disrupting the flow of goods and impeding economic growth.
Conflict Resolution:
The Articles offered no substantial means to resolve conflicts between states, often resulting in protracted disputes that jeopardized national unity and harmony. The lack of an effective judicial system further complicated matters, as disputes often went unresolved or relied on ad hoc mechanisms for settlement.
Inequities in Representation:
The one-state, one-vote system adopted under the Articles overlooked differences in population and economic strength among states, causing dissatisfaction among more populous states that contributed more financially. This disparity in representation led to a perceived lack of equity in the governance structure.
Absence of Executive Functions:
The Articles established a unicameral legislature, the Congress, but it lacked the resources to execute its decisions effectively. The absence of an executive branch impeded the implementation of laws, leading to inefficiency and a lack of direction.
Failure to Address Foreign Relations:
The Articles did not provide the federal government with proper authority to handle international relations. The individual states often engaged in foreign diplomacy on their own, at times even contradicting national policies. This lack of coordination impaired the nation's standing in global affairs.
These weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation underscored the need for a new framework that would strengthen central authority, facilitate economic growth, resolve disputes between states, and enhance the nation's ability to address foreign relations effectively. The Constitutional Convention emerged as a direct response to these limitations, culminating in the drafting of a new constitution that would shape the United States into the prosperous nation it is today.