key term - Weak Central Government

Definition

A weak central government refers to a political system where the national authority lacks sufficient power to enforce laws, regulate commerce, or maintain order among states. This concept is crucial when examining the challenges faced during the period of the Articles of Confederation, as it highlights the limitations of federal authority and its inability to effectively manage relations between states or respond to national crises.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation created a government that lacked a strong executive branch, making it difficult to enforce laws and decisions.
2. States had the power to impose tariffs on each other, leading to economic disputes and undermining national unity.
3. The inability to raise revenue through taxation left the central government dependent on state contributions, which were often not fulfilled.
4. The weak central government struggled to maintain order and effectively address issues such as interstate conflicts and foreign diplomacy.
5. Shays' Rebellion highlighted the dangers of a weak central government, showcasing how citizens could take matters into their own hands when they felt neglected by federal authority.

Review Questions

• How did the weaknesses of the central government under the Articles of Confederation impact interstate relations?
  • The weak central government under the Articles of Confederation led to significant tensions between states as each had the power to impose tariffs and trade restrictions. This resulted in economic disputes that hindered cooperation and trust among states. The lack of a strong federal authority made it difficult to resolve these issues, further exacerbating divisions and contributing to calls for a more robust central government.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation in addressing national issues such as defense and economic stability.
  • The Articles of Confederation proved largely ineffective in addressing national issues. The weak central government lacked the authority to raise an army or levy taxes, which left the nation vulnerable during conflicts like Shays' Rebellion. Additionally, the inability to regulate trade led to economic instability, as states operated independently without coordinated policies, ultimately highlighting the need for a stronger federal system.
• Analyze how Shays' Rebellion exemplified the problems associated with a weak central government and influenced the move towards a new Constitution.
  • Shays' Rebellion exemplified the critical issues arising from a weak central government by demonstrating how citizens felt compelled to revolt due to economic hardship and governmental neglect. This uprising underscored the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation in maintaining order and protecting property rights. The rebellion significantly influenced leaders and thinkers at the Constitutional Convention, prompting them to seek a new framework that would create a stronger federal government capable of addressing such crises effectively.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation:

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government.

Federalism:

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states.

Shays' Rebellion:

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and the inability of the weak central government to address their grievances.