Challenges of the Articles of Confederation - AP Government and Politics

Control over their own militias. States maintained independent military forces and authority.

Could not issue a stable national currency. Multiple state currencies created economic chaos and instability.

Required unanimous consent. High threshold prevented necessary reforms and improvements.

Emphasized state sovereignty over federal power. Prioritized state independence over national unity.

Maryland, due to land claim disputes. Held out until western lands were ceded to Congress.

Ineffective national leadership. No chief executive to coordinate policy or command respect.

Inability to coordinate a national defense. Could not maintain unified military force against threats.

Left economic policy largely to the states. Federal government lacked tools for economic management.

To establish a framework for the new national government. First governing document after independence from Britain.

The Confederation Congress. Unicameral legislature with representatives from each state.

One vote per state. Equal representation regardless of state size or population.

Unanimous consent from all 13 states. Made amendments nearly impossible to achieve in practice.

The power to levy taxes. Had to rely on voluntary state contributions for revenue.

Inability to regulate interstate commerce. Led to trade wars and economic conflicts between states.

The power to maintain a standing army. Left national defense vulnerable and uncoordinated.

The executive branch. No single leader to enforce laws or coordinate policy.

A national judiciary. No federal courts to resolve disputes or interpret law.

States retained most of their sovereignty. Created a loose confederation rather than strong union.

Confederation Congress acted as mediator. Limited authority to resolve interstate conflicts effectively.

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Established governance for western territories and statehood.

National debt and inflation. Lacked revenue-raising power to address financial problems.

Weak central government limited effectiveness. Could not enforce treaties or project power internationally.

States could impose tariffs on each other. Created trade barriers and economic warfare between states.

Created economic instability and confusion. Different currencies hindered interstate trade and commerce.

Lack of central regulation led to conflicts. No federal authority to mediate or resolve disputes.

Inability to effectively respond to crises. Government too weak to handle emergencies or rebellions.

Single legislative body with limited powers. Lacked separation of powers and checks and balances.

The power to levy taxes. Had to rely on voluntary state contributions for revenue.

Emphasized state sovereignty over federal power. Prioritized state independence over national unity.