The effectiveness of Congress under the Articles of Confederation had both good and bad points.
Strengths:
Control Over War and Peace: Congress was able to declare war and make peace. This was very important during the Revolutionary War.
Land Ordinances: Congress helped with selling land in the Northwest Territory. This set a good example for future states.
Weaknesses:
No Power to Tax: Congress couldn't collect taxes. This caused money problems because states only paid when they felt like it.
No Enforcement Power: Congress couldn't make states follow laws. This meant that states often ignored national rules.
One clear example of these weaknesses was during Shays' Rebellion from 1786 to 1787. Congress couldn't help Massachusetts during this crisis, which showed how weak it was.
In the end, while Congress made some progress, its struggles highlighted the need for a stronger federal government.
The effectiveness of Congress under the Articles of Confederation had both good and bad points.
Strengths:
Control Over War and Peace: Congress was able to declare war and make peace. This was very important during the Revolutionary War.
Land Ordinances: Congress helped with selling land in the Northwest Territory. This set a good example for future states.
Weaknesses:
No Power to Tax: Congress couldn't collect taxes. This caused money problems because states only paid when they felt like it.
No Enforcement Power: Congress couldn't make states follow laws. This meant that states often ignored national rules.
One clear example of these weaknesses was during Shays' Rebellion from 1786 to 1787. Congress couldn't help Massachusetts during this crisis, which showed how weak it was.
In the end, while Congress made some progress, its struggles highlighted the need for a stronger federal government.