An effective government can be defined as one that can unify all states under one political system, handle politics on a national scale, and also handle politics on an international scale. In the years from 1781-1789, the Articles of Confederation tried to accomplish the goals of an effective government, but ultimately failed. Congress sought to defend the states in such a way that their sovereignty would be protected, and a solid central power could unite them and handle national politics. This vision failed due to the Articles’ lack of assertiveness. The Articles of Confederation also failed to provide an effective policy for dealing with foreign affairs. The Articles had little power and did not provide an effective government for the United States.
A solid central power that is able to resolve intrastate conflicts in order to preserve unity is essential to any political system. The Articles feared the development of a tyrannical government that would encroach on the sovereignty of individual states. Because of this, a strong central power that would unite the states was never formed. Each state focused on local matters instead of looking to the overall good of the nation. This promoted disunity and a lack of faith in the nation. A judicial system was never formed as a national constant. Because of this, there were no guaranteed consistencies in state laws and each state was responsible for its own justice system. Fugitives would often cross state boundaries to escape certain laws. Moreover each state only looked out for its own economic concerns and did not care about the good of the nation unless it was in need of aid (as was seen with the arrivals of British troops in several different states, who petitioned for central government until the threat passed). Each state also posed countless petty problems for Congress to solve that would most often not be looked at unless they reoccurred in other states, spreading frustration with the existing Congressional... [continues]
A solid central power that is able to resolve intrastate conflicts in order to preserve unity is essential to any political system. The Articles feared the development of a tyrannical government that would encroach on the sovereignty of individual states. Because of this, a strong central power that would unite the states was never formed. Each state focused on local matters instead of looking to the overall good of the nation. This promoted disunity and a lack of faith in the nation. A judicial system was never formed as a national constant. Because of this, there were no guaranteed consistencies in state laws and each state was responsible for its own justice system. Fugitives would often cross state boundaries to escape certain laws. Moreover each state only looked out for its own economic concerns and did not care about the good of the nation unless it was in need of aid (as was seen with the arrivals of British troops in several different states, who petitioned for central government until the threat passed). Each state also posed countless petty problems for Congress to solve that would most often not be looked at unless they reoccurred in other states, spreading frustration with the existing Congressional... [continues]
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