The Articles of Confederation- A System of Useless and Inadequate Potential

To what extend was the Article of Confederation inadequate for government, foreign affairs problem, domestic affair problem and features of government under the AOC?

When looking at the whole picture it is very obvious that America is constantly going in an insidious cycle that has only led to destruction, a failing economy, and dissatisfied citizens. Our current president has started a war with the Middle East creating conflicts abroad, America is in debt that is 9.4 trillion dollars, and to top it all off, it has been discovered that our government recently granted Abu Ghraib torture admissible for the purpose of avoiding further attacks. These are some of the worst rambunctious actions America could have ever done, but that is the price we have to pay for freedom and opportunity. Likewise, the establishment of “new American” (America without the assistance of the British Crown) had no stable system, for the citizen of the colonies started this inescapable cycle. With mercantilism, even though this trading system was unbalance and had its flaws, the most important thing is it work. With a monarchy the American people had a system that did not allow for unruly conduct or dangerous tactics. Finally, because of the British Crown, American colonies were protected. Americans avoided all the positives of the Parliament and followed the way of the radicals who yearned for independence, not thinking about the unforeseeable future which did contain imperfection to the maximum. Upon ending the American Revolution, the Americans had established a government which was ineffective due to the decentralization of authority that could not impose taxes on the people (one factor that led to inflation and worst economical situation). In reference to foreign affairs, there was conflict with the Indian and Spaniards that pertained to land. Domestic problem aroused by neglected and destruction of infracture. As far as domestic affairs, trade was temporarily ceased, causing most of the Yankees to make their own goods. Finally, the government under the AOC was hopeless with foreign and domestic affairs. So, when considering all of the fact, it is appropriate to make a motion that the Article of Confederation was tremendously inadequate, because the betterment of the people was not gained and America was not positively revolutionized.

In reference to foreign affair problems the Articles of Confederation was very inadequate. American did not abide by the Treaty of Paris and did not compensate the Loyalist, whose property was confiscated during the war. Furthermore, Spain, former ally, ironically turned on the Americans, because they feared that they would expand its power. They consistently argued over Florida, and then Spain now owned the lower river of the Mississippi River and restriction navigation rights. Not only did the Spaniards want to expand, but the Indians as well, which would ultimately cease the expansion of Georgia.

The purpose of the American Revolution was to eradicate an autocratic tyrannical government where the leader had an abundant amount power. With the new government Americans wanted decentralized government, one with lesser power than Britain. This caused a variety of problems. Firstly, the government, with its minor attainments to authority, could not impose taxes on its people resulting in a prolonging of a failing economy. As far as how the Articles of Confederation were inadequate pertaining to the domestic affairs, infrastructure must be considered. Due to the destruction and negligence of the roads, bridges and highway, different transportations could not easily travel to other states, cutting off trades between the states. Also currency, with its vast assortments, made it difficult for interstate trade, which was the foundation of why some states faced food shortages and other limits as well. These currency differences created inflation, not good for the economy. Also the American market was damaged due to Britain’s practices and some farmers lost their farms as a result. Some may say that Shay’s Rebellion, a rebellion against taxes, goes against the motion that the Articles of Confederation was inadequate, but remaining evidence defy this assumption.

The AOC had no assistance from the Article of confederation pertaining to domestic and foreign affair problem. If they did no, then how do we explain the Constitutional Convention, which created an entirely new governmental system. Also the Alexandria Conference of 1785 and the Annapolis Conference is another key indication that the Article of Confederation was useless. The Alexandria act improved navigation and commerce on the Potomac River, while the Annapolis Conference was held to discuss the revising of the AOC.

As religious people might say, “Thank God for change”. Where did change come from? The Constitutional Convention brought about alterations and a new government to say the least, no thanks to the Article of Confederation, which frankly promoted the ceasing of trade, foreign affair problem with the Indian and Spaniard, and the an extremely unstable economy. Because of the Constitutional Convention, the Bill of Right were passed, a constitution was made and the branches of power were create (legislative, executive and judicial- the check and balance created a balance between power) It did the responsibilities of The Article of Confederation. The Article of Confederation has proven to be in agreeance with irrepressible actions for the degradation of American society and can therefore be pronounced inadequate for the advancement of the American people. It rather prolonged a much needed change.