Difficult

Definition

In the context of the Articles of Confederation, 'difficult' refers to the substantial challenges and obstacles that arose from the weaknesses inherent in this early form of American government. These difficulties included issues related to governance, economic stability, and inter-state relations, which hindered the effectiveness of the national government and led to widespread calls for reform. The lack of a strong central authority made it hard for the government to enforce laws or collect taxes, creating a chaotic political environment that ultimately necessitated a shift towards a more robust federal system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation established a weak national government that lacked the authority to tax or enforce laws, leading to significant financial difficulties.
2. Interstate disputes and lack of cohesive foreign policy created tension among states and made it difficult for the central government to function effectively.
3. Difficulties in responding to Shays' Rebellion underscored the need for a stronger federal government capable of maintaining order and addressing civil unrest.
4. The inability to regulate trade between states resulted in economic chaos, with states imposing tariffs on one another, further complicating relations.
5. These challenges ultimately prompted the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where leaders sought to address the difficulties posed by the Articles through a new framework of government.

Review Questions

• How did the difficulties faced by the Articles of Confederation lead to calls for a stronger central government?
  • The difficulties encountered under the Articles of Confederation, such as financial instability and interstate conflicts, revealed the limitations of a weak national government. The inability to tax and enforce laws meant that there was no effective way to respond to crises like Shays' Rebellion, which highlighted how vulnerable the nation was. As these challenges became apparent, many leaders began advocating for a stronger central government to ensure stability and effective governance.
• In what ways did Shays' Rebellion exemplify the difficulties under the Articles of Confederation?
  • Shays' Rebellion served as a critical example of the difficulties stemming from the Articles of Confederation by showcasing how discontent among citizens could escalate into armed conflict. The rebellion was fueled by economic hardships and a lack of governmental support for struggling farmers. It emphasized that the national government lacked both the authority and capability to quell domestic unrest, ultimately making clear that significant reform was necessary.
• Evaluate how the issues faced under the Articles of Confederation influenced the development of federalism in the United States.
  • The challenges experienced during the period of the Articles of Confederation played a pivotal role in shaping federalism as a system of governance. As leaders recognized that a weak central authority could not address pressing economic and social issues, they sought a balance between state and national powers that would prevent such difficulties from reoccurring. This led to the creation of a Constitution that established a stronger federal structure capable of managing both domestic affairs and international relations effectively, thus addressing many problems that arose under the Articles.

Related terms

Weaknesses:

The inherent flaws in the Articles of Confederation, including the inability to levy taxes or regulate commerce, which contributed to its overall ineffectiveness.

Shays' Rebellion:

A 1786-1787 uprising in Massachusetts by farmers protesting economic injustices and the lack of government support, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles.

Federalism:

The system of government that divides power between a central authority and smaller political units, developed as a solution to the challenges faced under the Articles of Confederation.