Central government

Definition

A central government is the primary governing authority in a political system, responsible for making and enforcing laws, managing resources, and providing services at a national level. In the context of the Articles of Confederation, it refers to the limited federal authority established to govern the newly independent states after the American Revolution, highlighting the challenges of creating a strong and effective national leadership while maintaining state sovereignty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The central government under the Articles of Confederation had very limited powers, unable to impose taxes or regulate interstate commerce, leading to financial difficulties.
2. The lack of a strong central government made it difficult for Congress to enforce laws or raise an army, contributing to domestic unrest and challenges such as Shays' Rebellion.
3. The Articles of Confederation created a unicameral legislature with each state having one vote, reflecting concerns about equal representation but limiting effective decision-making.
4. Because of the weaknesses in the central government, the Articles were ultimately replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789, which established a stronger federal system.
5. Debates about the balance of power between state and federal authorities during this period laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions about governance in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of central government under the Articles of Confederation impact its effectiveness?
  • The structure of central government under the Articles of Confederation significantly hindered its effectiveness because it was intentionally designed to be weak. The lack of authority to levy taxes or regulate commerce meant that Congress struggled to raise funds or manage trade disputes among states. This led to financial instability and weakened national unity, as individual states acted in their own interests rather than adhering to a cohesive federal policy.
• Evaluate the reasons why many leaders believed a stronger central government was necessary after experiencing governance under the Articles of Confederation.
  • Many leaders felt that a stronger central government was necessary due to the numerous challenges faced under the Articles of Confederation. Issues such as interstate conflicts over trade, economic instability, and the inability to maintain order during uprisings like Shays' Rebellion illustrated the dangers of a weak federal authority. These experiences prompted calls for a constitutional convention, where delegates sought to create a more balanced system that would empower the national government while still respecting state rights.
• Analyze how the weaknesses of the central government under the Articles of Confederation influenced the drafting and adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
  • The weaknesses of the central government under the Articles of Confederation directly influenced the drafting and adoption of the U.S. Constitution by highlighting the need for a more robust federal structure. The failure to address key issues such as taxation and interstate commerce during this period revealed that a strong national framework was essential for effective governance. Consequently, framers designed a system with checks and balances among three branches of government, ensuring both state sovereignty and federal power could coexist, ultimately leading to a more stable and unified nation.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation: The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a weak central government that lacked the power to tax or regulate commerce effectively.

State sovereignty: The concept that states have the ultimate authority over their own affairs and are not subject to external control, which influenced the design of the Articles of Confederation.

Confederation: A union of sovereign states that come together for specific purposes while retaining their independence, as exemplified by the loose alliance formed under the Articles of Confederation.