The Article of Confederation

History Exam 2 Essay

The Articles of Confederation allow the state governments most of the power. The proposal, New Jersey Plan, create a unicameral legislature that allow equal representation of states with equal representation rather than representation by population. In ordered for a law to mandate under the Article of Confederation for states, a 75 percent approval/ amendments equal 100 percent approval. Many states printed their own money, devaluing the national currency. States would tariff’s each other goods, which led to a sharp decline in intrastate commerce. This issue mediates disputes between states when negotiating treaties. When foreign trade would occur, other countries would place tariffs and trade restrictions on US goods and did not allow American to reciprocate. The absence of a strong Navy left American vulnerable to privates. The central government could not raise an army leaving America vulnerable. The central government had no control over the states and individuals in America, therefore taxation, boarder protection, enforcing treaties and regulating commerce was impossible, which led to the development of independence.

The weakness of The Articles of Confederation provided no national executive, no national court system, eliminated the collection of taxes, provided no military protection, and no trade regulation. These issues led to the abandonment of The Articles of Confederation and the existence of the Constitution. The Constitution stabilized the weakness by allowing the government power over the states. The Constitution established the laws for the Supreme Court and the creation of the federal court system (executive, legislature, and judiciary) with the power of check and balances. Representation was now constituent on population, while senates are equal to all states. The policy granted Congress the ability to regulate trade and the right to levy taxes.

The Constitution was amended by the bill of rights to protect the...