Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations

  When the Articles of Confederation was formed, the American leaders established a State government or the power of the state. The State government was given the authority and power to settle disputes, making treaties, borrow money, maintain general welfare, and declare war, among other roles (Janda et al. 2009). However, the State government lacked the power to levy taxes, regulate foreign trade, it did not have a national court system, among other weaknesses. It was suggested that there is a need for a strong central government rather than a small government. However, some opponents such as Thomas Jefferson argued that the central government would be a threat to the citizens. Opponents of a central government argued that the independent states should cooperate and address state matters and each state should have its supreme power as well as freedom and independence (Janda et al. 2009). Therefore, the widespread fear of the central government made the Articles of Confederation to give the state government more power whereas the central government became weak.

 Focusing on the limitation of power, it is important to note that the idea of limiting the power brought significant weaknesses. Note that during the 17th and 18th centuries, the founding fathers had realized that the central government should control the states (Janda et al. 2009). However, the system of government that allowed states to govern themselves was associated with the following consequences; 

• Economic disorganization due to a failure to regulate trade, and lack of power of taxation
• Lack of national leadership due to lack of systems of courts, and lack of chief executive
• Legislative inefficiency due to one vote, inability to pass laws, and difficulties in the amendment process.
• Bankruptcy due to failure to pay debt
• Shays' rebellion due to a heavy debt by Massachusetts farmers
• Failure to regulate interstate commerce
• Failure to maintain order due to lack of central leadership (Janda et al. 2009). 

 

 

                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                               Reference

Janda, K., Berry, J. M., Goldman, J., & Hula, K. W. (2009). The challenge of democracy:

American government in a gobal world. Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.