Omar Bennett
The ratification of the Constitution is a highly debated topic. The Articles of Confederation, which gave too much power to the states, were not credible and the country was in great trouble. Ratifying the Constitution would unify the government and allow it to raise money through taxes to pay off debts. However, it would also mean that power would lie with wealthy men.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Unification of the country | Approval from 9 of 13 states would be adequate to ratify the Constitution |
| Power lies with wealthy men | The Articles of Confederation gave the states too much power |
| Raising money to pay off debts | The federal government's job to protect the nation, support the dignity of the union, and pay off debts |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Constitution would give power to wealthy men, not states
One reason to ratify the Constitution is that with it, we could raise the money we need through taxes to pay off debts. According to the speech given by delegate James Wilson, it is the federal government's job to protect our nation, support the dignity of the union, and pay off the nation's debts. To do that, we need to pay, feed, and provide shelter for all of our soldiers. To do that, we need money, and we get the money from taxes.
The Constitution would also give power to the federal government, not the states. This is because the federal government would be responsible for protecting the nation, supporting the dignity of the union, and paying off debts. The states would not have the power to make these decisions and would be dependent on the federal government.
Overall, the Constitution would give power to wealthy men and the federal government, not the states. This could be seen as a positive or negative depending on one's perspective. On the one hand, it could lead to a more unified and powerful nation. On the other hand, it could lead to a concentration of power in the hands of a few and a lack of representation for the states.
The Long Road of Congress Since Ratification
You may want to see also
The Articles of Confederation were not credible
The Articles of Confederation also lacked the necessary mechanisms to effectively raise revenue and manage the country's finances. This meant that the country was unable to generate the funds required to address pressing issues, such as paying off debts and investing in infrastructure and public services. As a result, the country faced financial challenges and was unable to secure a stable economic future. This further highlights the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger, more centralised system of governance.
Additionally, the Articles of Confederation did not provide a clear framework for addressing national security concerns and protecting the country from external threats. Without a robust federal government, the nation's ability to defend itself was compromised, leaving it vulnerable to potential attacks and jeopardising the safety of its citizens. This weakness in national security further underscores the need for a stronger, unified government that can effectively safeguard the nation and its people.
The Articles of Confederation also failed to establish a cohesive and unified nation. With each state operating independently, the country lacked a sense of collective identity and shared purpose. This fragmentation hindered the country's ability to make progress and achieve its full potential, as a united front is essential for a nation to move forward decisively. The lack of unity also created divisions and discord, undermining the stability and harmony necessary for a thriving society.
In conclusion, the Articles of Confederation were not credible due to their inherent weaknesses and shortcomings. The lack of centralised power, ineffective financial management, inadequate national security provisions, and lack of unity all contributed to the instability and ineffectiveness of the government. By ratifying the Constitution, the country has the opportunity to address these issues and establish a stronger, more unified, and prosperous nation.
John Adams' Stance on Ratifying the Constitution
You may want to see also
The Constitution would unify the country
Ratifying the Constitution would unify the country. The Articles of Confederation were not credible because they gave too much power to the states, which were too weak. The country was in great trouble, with debts not being paid. The Constitution would let the power lie with the wealthy men, and not the states. This would mean that the country could raise the money it needed through taxes to pay off debts. This would be the federal government's job, to protect the nation, support the dignity of the union, and pay off the nation's debts. This would unify the country, as it would mean that the soldiers could be paid, fed and sheltered.
The Journey to Ratify the Constitution
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Constitution would allow the country to pay off debts
The Constitution would allow the country to pay off its debts. This is a key reason why the Constitution should be ratified. The Articles of Confederation were not credible because they gave the states too much power, and the debts were not getting paid. The country was in great trouble. The Constitution would allow the federal government to raise the money needed through taxes to pay off debts. This is the federal government's job, as delegate James Wilson argued in his speech. It is the federal government's duty to provide for the national safety, to support the dignity of the union, and to pay the country's debts. To do this, the government needs to pay, feed, and provide shelter for all of its soldiers. This requires money, which can be raised through taxes.
How Federalist Papers Influenced the Constitution's Ratification
You may want to see also
The Constitution would support the dignity of the union
Ratifying the Constitution would support the dignity of the union. The Articles of Confederation were not credible because they gave the states too much power, and the states were too weak. The debts were not getting paid, and the country was in great trouble. The Constitution would let the power lie with the wealthy men, and not give the states the power to raise money to pay off debt. The country will still remain in debt if the Constitution is ratified. However, according to delegate James Wilson, it is the federal government's job to protect the nation, support the dignity of the union, and pay off the nation's debts. To do this, the government needs to pay, feed, and provide shelter for all of its soldiers. This requires money, which can be raised through taxes.
The Long Road to Ratifying the Constitution
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Ratifying the Constitution would unify the government and allow the country to raise money through taxes to pay off debts.
Ratifying the Constitution would give the power to wealthy men, rather than the states.
Before the Constitution, the government was governed by the Articles of Confederation, which gave the states too much power.
Approval from 9 of the 13 states was adequate to ratify the Constitution.
According to delegate James Wilson, it was the federal government's job to protect the nation, support the dignity of the union, and pay off the nation's debts.
