Congress's lack of power

Definition

Congress's lack of power refers to the limitations and weaknesses inherent in the legislative branch under the Articles of Confederation, which resulted in a government that struggled to effectively govern. This absence of authority manifested in various ways, such as the inability to impose taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws, which ultimately hindered the central government's capacity to address national issues and respond to crises.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress could not levy taxes, relying instead on voluntary contributions from states, which were often insufficient.
2. Congress lacked the authority to regulate interstate commerce, leading to economic disarray and conflicts between states over trade policies.
3. The inability to raise a standing army left the nation vulnerable to external threats and internal unrest, as demonstrated by events like Shays' Rebellion.
4. Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all thirteen states, making it nearly impossible to correct its deficiencies.
5. The lack of an executive branch meant there was no effective enforcement mechanism for laws passed by Congress, further undermining its authority.

Review Questions

• How did Congress's lack of power under the Articles of Confederation impact its ability to address national challenges?
  • Congress's lack of power severely limited its ability to tackle pressing national challenges. Without the ability to levy taxes or regulate commerce, the federal government struggled to generate revenue or maintain economic stability. This inability to act decisively during crises, such as economic downturns or threats from foreign powers, highlighted the deficiencies in governance that arose from a weak legislative structure.
• What were the consequences of Congress's inability to raise a standing army during this period?
  • The inability of Congress to raise a standing army had significant consequences for national security. Without military forces at its disposal, the federal government was unable to defend against external threats or suppress internal uprisings, such as Shays' Rebellion. This vulnerability eroded public confidence in the government and underscored the need for a stronger federal framework that could ensure order and protection.
• Evaluate how the weaknesses of Congress under the Articles of Confederation prompted calls for a new constitution, and what changes were proposed in response.
  • The weaknesses of Congress under the Articles of Confederation directly led to widespread calls for a new constitution, as it became evident that a stronger central government was necessary for effective governance. Delegates at the Constitutional Convention proposed significant changes, including granting Congress the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and create an executive branch to enforce laws. These changes aimed to create a more balanced system of governance that could respond effectively to both domestic and international challenges.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation:

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak federal government with limited powers and emphasized state sovereignty.

Shays' Rebellion:

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and government ineffectiveness, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalism:

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional entities, often used to balance power between state and federal governments.