Lack

Definition

In the context of the Articles of Confederation, 'lack' refers to the significant deficiencies and shortcomings that characterized this first governing document of the United States. The Articles failed to provide a strong central government, leading to numerous challenges, such as an inability to regulate commerce, impose taxes, or maintain a standing army. These inadequacies contributed to widespread discontent and ultimately paved the way for the creation of a more robust federal system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The lack of a strong central government under the Articles of Confederation made it difficult for Congress to enact laws or policies effectively.
2. Without the power to tax, the federal government relied on voluntary contributions from the states, which were often insufficient.
3. The lack of uniformity in trade regulations among states led to economic chaos and conflicts, as states imposed tariffs on each other's goods.
4. The absence of a national army left the country vulnerable to internal rebellions and external threats, demonstrating the weakness of collective defense.
5. The issues arising from this lack ultimately led to calls for reform and resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

Review Questions

• How did the lack of a strong central government impact the effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation?
  • The lack of a strong central government severely undermined the effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation by preventing Congress from enacting necessary laws and policies. This weakness meant that Congress could not regulate trade or impose taxes, leading to financial instability and discontent among states. As a result, states operated independently, creating a fragmented national landscape that hindered cooperation and governance.
• Evaluate how Shays' Rebellion illustrated the broader problems associated with the lack of power in the Articles of Confederation.
  • Shays' Rebellion was a key event that illustrated the broader issues stemming from the lack of power in the Articles of Confederation. The uprising highlighted how economic distress among farmers was exacerbated by state-level taxation and lack of federal intervention. It demonstrated not only public unrest but also raised alarm among leaders about the government's inability to maintain order, ultimately prompting calls for a stronger national framework.
• Analyze the consequences of the lack experienced under the Articles of Confederation for subsequent American political development.
  • The consequences of the lack experienced under the Articles of Confederation were profound for American political development. The inadequacies prompted widespread recognition among leaders that a stronger central government was necessary for stability and prosperity. This led directly to the Constitutional Convention, where delegates crafted a new Constitution designed to address these failures by establishing a system with balanced powers and greater federal authority. This shift laid the foundation for modern American governance.

Related terms

Central Government:

A governing body that holds the authority to make and enforce laws at a national level, which was weak under the Articles of Confederation.

Shays' Rebellion:

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

Constitutional Convention:

The gathering in 1787 where delegates met to address the problems of the Articles of Confederation and draft a new Constitution.