To what extent was government under the Articles of Confederation ineffective in the years 1783 to 1789?
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2020
Topic
World History
👑Complete Model Essay
To what extent was government under the Articles of Confederation ineffective in the years 1783 to 1789?
To what extent was government under the Articles of Confederation ineffective in the years 1783 to 1789?
The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States. This system of government, however, proved to be inherently weak and ultimately ineffective in addressing the challenges facing the newly formed nation. While some historians point to successes during this period, the overwhelming consensus is that the government under the Articles of Confederation was profoundly flawed, leading to its eventual replacement by the United States Constitution in 1789.
Arguments supporting the view that government under the Articles of Confederation was ineffective in the years 1783 to 1789:
Lack of Central Authority: The most glaring weakness of the Articles of Confederation was its deliberate creation of a weak central government. Fearful of replicating the strong central authority they had just fought to overthrow, the framers of the Articles intentionally created a system where the states retained significant autonomy. The absence of a national executive to enforce laws and a national judiciary to interpret them led to a chaotic and often contradictory legal landscape across the thirteen states.
Financial Weakness and Debt: The Confederation government emerged from the Revolutionary War burdened with a staggering $41 million debt. The Articles, however, provided no mechanism for the central government to levy taxes or regulate commerce. Instead, it relied on requisitions from the states, which were often ignored or met with resistance. This lack of fiscal power left the government unable to meet its financial obligations, pay its war debts, or establish a stable national currency.
Economic Instability and Social Unrest: The financial weakness of the Confederation government had a devastating impact on the newly formed nation. Individual states, also struggling with debt, resorted to imposing high taxes and printing their own paper money, leading to rampant inflation and economic instability. The plight of debtors and farmers, particularly in the face of these economic hardships, fueled social unrest, culminating in events like Shays' Rebellion in 1786. This armed uprising in Massachusetts, though ultimately suppressed, exposed the inability of the Confederation government to effectively address internal threats and maintain order.
Arguments challenging the view that government under the Articles of Confederation was ineffective in the years 1783 to 1789:
Democratic Principles and State Sovereignty: Proponents of the Articles argue that it successfully established a system of government that emphasized democratic principles and state sovereignty. Each state, regardless of size, held equal representation in Congress, and the annual election of representatives ensured a high degree of accountability. The Articles, they argue, reflected the deep-seated desire for limited government and state autonomy that permeated the newly independent nation.
Land Ordinance and Northwest Ordinance: The Confederation government did achieve some notable successes, particularly in the realm of westward expansion and land policy. The Land Ordinance of 1785 established a systematic process for surveying and selling western lands, while the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 provided a framework for governing the territories and their eventual admission as states. These ordinances are often cited as examples of effective governance under the Articles.
Conclusion:
While the Articles of Confederation did embody some democratic ideals and achieve limited success in specific areas, its inherent weaknesses ultimately outweighed its accomplishments. The government's inability to address fundamental issues like taxation, debt, interstate commerce, and national security, ultimately led to its failure. The experience under the Articles of Confederation proved to be a valuable, albeit difficult, lesson for the Founding Fathers. It highlighted the need for a stronger national government capable of effectively addressing the challenges facing a growing and increasingly complex nation, ultimately paving the way for the drafting and adoption of the United States Constitution in 1787.
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To what extent was government under the Articles of Confederation ineffective in the years 1783 to 1789?
This essay will argue that while the Articles of Confederation had some successes, its inherent weaknesses ultimately led to a period of instability and ultimately its own demise. By analyzing the government's financial struggles, its inability to address Shay's Rebellion, and its limited powers, we will demonstrate that the government under the Articles of Confederation was indeed ineffective in the years 1783 to 1789.
Ineffectiveness of the Articles of Confederation:
The Articles of Confederation were deeply flawed from the outset. Lacking a strong national executive, judiciary, and lacking the power to tax, the government struggled to assert its authority. This weakness was exacerbated by the financial crisis that plagued the nation. With states struggling to pay their debts, the national government was unable to meet its financial obligations, leading to rising tensions and ultimately, Shay's Rebellion.
Shay's Rebellion
This event further highlighted the government's weakness. The rebellion, sparked by farmers facing economic hardship and tax burdens, demonstrated the government's inability to maintain order. The inability to effectively quell the rebellion served as a stark reminder of the government's lack of power and its inability to address the needs of the people. This event was a catalyst for the movement towards a stronger national government.
Arguments Against the Ineffectiveness of the Articles of Confederation:
While the Articles of Confederation faced significant challenges, it is important to acknowledge some of its achievements. The government successfully established a system for land distribution and territorial government with the Land Ordinance and Northwest Ordinance. These ordinances laid the foundation for westward expansion and a more organized and unified nation.
Conclusion:
The government under the Articles of Confederation, though it had a few successes, ultimately proved ineffective in the years 1783 to 1789. The financial crisis, the failure to address Shay's Rebellion, and the limitations imposed by the Articles themselves, laid bare its weaknesses. This ultimately paved the way for the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, which created a stronger and more effective national government.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Arguments supporting the view that government under the Articles of Confederation was ineffective in the years 1783 to 1789:
• The government was weak as the Articles of Confederation had no provision for a national executive, or a national judiciary. All powers not specifically granted to the Confederation were reserved to the states, thus Congress had no power to levy taxes, regulate trade or enforce financial requisitions.
• In 1783, the national debt was $41 million, Morris wanted the government to secure control of the public debt, and instead states incorporated the national debt in their state debts, weakening the national government. By 1786, Congress had levied $15 million in requisitions from states, but only $2.5 million had been paid. Congress lacked the revenue to pay even the interest on the debt, let alone the capital.
• The government had no power over state governments who faced financial problems, resulting in heavy state taxes; this led to economic instability, and rising social tensions.
• The government’s failure to resolve its financial problems resulted in Shay’s rebellion (January 1787) and gave impetus to strengthen the government’s power, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of the government under the Articles of Confederation.
Arguments challenging the view that government under the Articles of Confederation was ineffective in the years 1783 to 1789:
• The Articles of Confederation, provided for a central government, and ensured democratic practice in which each state (irrespective of the size of its population), had one vote, and Congressmen were elected annually and limited to 3 to 6 years in office.
• The government could declare war, raise an army and navy, borrow and issue money, conclude treaties and alliances, apportion common expenses among the states, settle interstate disputes, regulate Native American affairs, make requisitions on the states for money and men (in case of war), set standards for weights and measures and establish and regulate post offices.
• The government was effective in establishing a coherent policy on land distribution and territorial government, with the Land Ordinance (1785) and Northwest Ordinance (1787) which set out procedures for organising and admitting statehood to new territories on equal terms with existing states.
• The issue of slavery was settled with the 3/5th compromise, in that way it did not prevent the creation of a united republic at this time.