Question

part 2 directions: below are the weakness of the articles of confederation. predict why each weakness would be a problem in the future.
weakness\t\tprediction
congress had no power to tax people\t→\tgovernment lacks money for debt and services
congress could not regulate trade\t→\ta weak trade location
9 out of 13 states needed to make a new law\t→\t
13 out of 13 states needed to changed a law\t→\t
congress could not enforce laws\t→\t
only one branch of government (no executive (president) or judicial (supreme court))\t→\t

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each weakness of the Articles of Confederation and predict future problems:

1. Congress had no power to tax people

• Explanation: Taxation is a primary revenue source for governments. Without it, the government can’t raise funds.
• Prediction: Government lacks money for debt (from the Revolutionary War) and providing services (like infrastructure, defense, or public welfare).

2. Congress could not regulate trade

• Explanation: Unregulated trade leads to states imposing tariffs on each other, disrupting commerce.
• Prediction: A weak national economy (due to trade disputes between states, unfair trade practices, or inability to negotiate foreign trade deals).

3. 9 out of 13 states needed to make a new law

• Explanation: Requiring a supermajority (9/13) makes passing laws difficult, as even a few states can block progress.
• Prediction: Slow or impossible lawmaking (critical issues like defense, trade, or governance reforms can’t be addressed promptly).

4. 13 out of 13 states needed to change a law

• Explanation: Unanimity (13/13) is extremely hard to achieve, especially with competing state interests.
• Prediction: No meaningful reforms (the government can’t adapt to new challenges, as any amendment is nearly impossible).

5. Congress could not enforce laws

• Explanation: Laws without enforcement are meaningless; states or citizens can ignore them.
• Prediction: Laws are ignored (states act independently, undermining national unity and the rule of law).

6. Only one branch of government (no executive or judicial)

• Explanation: A single branch (legislative) means no checks and balances, and no authority to implement or interpret laws.
• Prediction: Ineffective governance (laws passed by Congress can’t be enforced, and disputes can’t be resolved fairly without a judicial branch).

Completed Table (with predictions):

Weakness	Prediction
Congress could not regulate trade	Weak national economy (trade disputes, unfair practices)
9 out of 13 states needed to make a new law	Slow/impossible lawmaking (critical issues unaddressed)
13 out of 13 states needed to change a law	No meaningful reforms (system can’t adapt)
Congress could not enforce laws	Laws are ignored (states act independently)
Only one branch of government	Ineffective governance (no enforcement/interpretation of laws)

These predictions reflect how the Articles’ weaknesses created structural flaws that led to the need for the U.S. Constitution.

Answer:

To solve this, we analyze each weakness of the Articles of Confederation and predict future problems:

1. Congress had no power to tax people

• Explanation: Taxation is a primary revenue source for governments. Without it, the government can’t raise funds.
• Prediction: Government lacks money for debt (from the Revolutionary War) and providing services (like infrastructure, defense, or public welfare).

2. Congress could not regulate trade

• Explanation: Unregulated trade leads to states imposing tariffs on each other, disrupting commerce.
• Prediction: A weak national economy (due to trade disputes between states, unfair trade practices, or inability to negotiate foreign trade deals).

3. 9 out of 13 states needed to make a new law

• Explanation: Requiring a supermajority (9/13) makes passing laws difficult, as even a few states can block progress.
• Prediction: Slow or impossible lawmaking (critical issues like defense, trade, or governance reforms can’t be addressed promptly).

4. 13 out of 13 states needed to change a law

• Explanation: Unanimity (13/13) is extremely hard to achieve, especially with competing state interests.
• Prediction: No meaningful reforms (the government can’t adapt to new challenges, as any amendment is nearly impossible).

5. Congress could not enforce laws

• Explanation: Laws without enforcement are meaningless; states or citizens can ignore them.
• Prediction: Laws are ignored (states act independently, undermining national unity and the rule of law).

6. Only one branch of government (no executive or judicial)

• Explanation: A single branch (legislative) means no checks and balances, and no authority to implement or interpret laws.
• Prediction: Ineffective governance (laws passed by Congress can’t be enforced, and disputes can’t be resolved fairly without a judicial branch).

Completed Table (with predictions):

Weakness	Prediction
Congress could not regulate trade	Weak national economy (trade disputes, unfair practices)
9 out of 13 states needed to make a new law	Slow/impossible lawmaking (critical issues unaddressed)
13 out of 13 states needed to change a law	No meaningful reforms (system can’t adapt)
Congress could not enforce laws	Laws are ignored (states act independently)
Only one branch of government	Ineffective governance (no enforcement/interpretation of laws)

These predictions reflect how the Articles’ weaknesses created structural flaws that led to the need for the U.S. Constitution.