How did the Articles of Confederation create a need for a new government?

The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, ratified in 1781. While they established a framework for government, they also had significant limitations, particularly in the power granted to the central authority. The Articles aimed to preserve the sovereignty of the individual states and deliberately limited the federal government’s ability to act effectively.

This restriction on central power meant that the government lacked the authority to impose taxes, regulate trade between states, or enforce laws uniformly across the country. As a result, the central government struggled with financial instability and economic disarray, prompting states to act independently, often at odds with one another. This fragmented approach created a situation where the federal government was unable to maintain order, ensure consistent governance, or protect the rights of citizens effectively.

The inadequacies of the Articles highlighted the need for a stronger federal government, ultimately leading to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where the current Constitution was drafted. This new framework emerged in part from the recognition that a central authority was necessary to manage issues such as interstate commerce and provide cohesive leadership, showing how the limitations of the Articles directly led to the need for a new governing structure.