Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

Background of the Articles of Confederation

• Within the new nation there was a need for organization.
• The American people feared a national government due to troubles with the British Monarchy, so there was a struggle to determine how much power should be given away. 
• The 13 colonies needed to find common ground in order to be prosperous. 
• The Continental Congress had incurred debts to fight the Revolutionary War.
• Ultimately, the Articles of Confederation failed. Learn why they failed and how it relates to Shay's Rebellion.

Reasons Why the Articles of Confederation Failed  

• There was no power to enforce laws
• No judicial branch or national courts
• Amendments needed to have a unanimous vote 

Downfall of the Articles of Confederation: Shays' Rebellion

• A group of Massachusetts farmers  were outraged by the increased efforts by the state government to collect taxes. 
• They performed a series of violent attacks on government properties. 
• The national government was unable to extinguish the rebellion. 
• This proved that the Articles did not have the power needed to run the country successfully.