"We are exposed to the daily incursions of the Indians, who plunder our property and murder our families. Yet the federal Congress has neither the funds to raise a regular army nor the authority to command the states to send their militia to our defense. We are left entirely to our own meager resources."
— Adapted from a petition by settlers in the Northwest Territory, 1786
Which of the following weaknesses of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation is most directly illustrated by the petition?
- AThe creation of a powerful federal executive that overreached into state affairs
- The inability of the central government to levy taxes and maintain a standing army to protect settlersAnswer
- CThe lack of authority of the central government to negotiate land treaties with foreign powers
- DThe refusal of Democratic-Republican politicians to support the interests of western agriculturalists
Answer
The inability of the central government to levy taxes and maintain a standing army to protect settlers.
The petition highlights the national government's lack of revenue and military authority under the Articles of Confederation, which prevented it from maintaining a standing army or defending frontier settlers. Under the Articles, Congress could only request funds and troops from states, leaving the western borders vulnerable to conflicts.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The weakness of the Articles of Confederation in raising taxes and maintaining national defense, which left western settlers vulnerable to frontier conflicts.
Estimated Time:45s