The Articles of Confederation failed primarily because they created a weak central government that lacked crucial powers. This included economic disorganization, lack of central leadership, and legislative inefficiencies such as requiring a supermajority of states to pass laws, inability to collect taxes, absence of a national judiciary, and no executive to handle foreign affairs. The states retained most sovereignty, which led to difficulties in enforcing national laws, managing debt, and responding to internal and external threats like Shays’ Rebellion. Ultimately, the Articles were too rigid to amend and ineffective for unifying the states as a strong nation, leading to their replacement by the U.S. Constitution in 1789.
Key Reasons for Failure
- Weak Central Government: The national government could not impose taxes, regulate trade, or maintain a standing army, relying on states for cooperation, which was often withheld.
- Legislative Problems: Each state had one vote regardless of size, and 9 out of 13 states had to agree to pass legislation, making lawmaking difficult.
- No Executive or Judiciary: There was no president or national court system to enforce or interpret laws.
- Economic Troubles: The central government had no power to manage debts or currency, leading to economic instability.
- State Sovereignty: States acted independently, conducting their own foreign policies and money systems, weakening national unity.
- Inability to Respond to Crises: Shays’ Rebellion exposed the government's inability to maintain order without state militia support.
These fundamental flaws showed the need for a stronger, more flexible national government, which the Constitution provided.
