Hinder

Definition

To hinder means to create obstacles or difficulties that impede progress or prevent something from happening. In the context of governance and the Articles of Confederation, this term captures the various challenges faced by the fledgling United States as it struggled to establish a functioning government and manage its affairs effectively. The inability to overcome these hindrances often led to conflicts among states, a lack of centralized authority, and difficulties in addressing economic issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Articles of Confederation created a loose alliance of states with a weak central government, which made it difficult to enact and enforce laws.
2. State sovereignty was prioritized under the Articles, leading to conflicts between states and making it hard to address issues like trade and defense.
3. Economic problems arose due to the inability of the federal government to impose taxes or regulate commerce, resulting in financial instability.
4. Shays' Rebellion exemplified how social unrest was fueled by economic hardship and governmental inaction, showcasing the need for a stronger central authority.
5. The challenges faced under the Articles ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where a new framework for government was developed.

Review Questions

• How did the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation hinder effective governance in the early United States?
  • The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation significantly hindered effective governance by limiting the federal government's power. Without the ability to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce, states operated independently, leading to economic turmoil and trade disputes. This lack of centralized authority meant that crucial decisions could not be made efficiently, which resulted in social unrest and highlighted the urgent need for reform.
• Discuss how Shays' Rebellion illustrated the hindrances present within the government established by the Articles of Confederation.
  • Shays' Rebellion was a direct response to economic hardships faced by farmers in Massachusetts, who felt neglected by their state government. This rebellion illustrated the hindrances within the Articles by demonstrating how the federal government lacked power to intervene in state issues or provide support during crises. The inability to quell such uprisings not only threatened stability but also underscored the pressing need for a stronger national framework.
• Evaluate the implications of hindrances caused by the Articles of Confederation on the eventual drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
  • The hindrances created by the Articles of Confederation had significant implications on the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The weaknesses and challenges experienced under the Articles spurred key leaders to convene at the Constitutional Convention with a clear goal: to create a stronger central government capable of addressing national issues. As a result, they designed a new system with checks and balances that allowed for effective governance while preventing overreach. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in American history as it laid the foundation for modern U.S. governance.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation:

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak federal government with limited powers over the states.

Shays' Rebellion:

A series of protests in 1786-1787 by American farmers against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgments for debt, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles.

Centralization:

The concentration of authority and decision-making power at a central point, often seen as a solution to the challenges posed by decentralized governance under the Articles.