2006-10-14 05:13:45 · 6 answers · asked by Pro.L 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
Because they considered their own governments Sovereign, and the purpose of the federal government was little more than to ensure mutually beneficial and fair cooperation, and defense. They wanted the government weak to ensure that it could not be controlled by some for to the detriment of others, and to keep their membership in it voluntary so they could withdraw if there was any attempt to use it against their individual state.
These fears were all realized, of course, when the northern states enacted heavy tariffs on manufactured goods, which forced southern states to "buy american" but they also blocked reciprocal legislation to encourage northern states to buy their agricultural goods. The south attempted to leave the union that was being used against them, and the union then invaded the Sovereign State of Virginia.
A weak federal government would have prevented the Civil War, and forced the north to deal fairly with the south.
2006-10-14 05:25:25 · answer #1 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They really weren't even states at the time...they only became so after creating the government. They created such a weak national government because they had spent years away from Great Britain as colonies. Because of the distance from the motherland, GB didn't exert a whole lot of force on them. When King George finally realized his colonies were slipping away, he decided to try and take hold again (the taxes on tea, etc.). When this happened, the colonists felt like they were being unfairly treated, and revolted. In order not to repeat the experience, when they finally did make their own government, they made it weak so that it wouldn't be able to take over.
2006-10-14 05:26:10 · answer #2 · answered by Katy M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they insisted on state rights and wanted to maintain their sovereign power. they were like separate little nations at one time where they used different currency, different laws, etc. a weak national government would secure states rights.
2006-10-14 05:22:52 · answer #3 · answered by foxey_lady04 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they were 13 colomies at that time, in order that they did not give up power
2006-10-14 05:16:06 · answer #4 · answered by brinlarrr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess if you trust the same companies that outsourced, sold lead paint toys, and kid killing peanut butter to run the country.
2016-05-22 01:30:50 · answer #5 · answered by Carly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same reason the UN isn't powerful.
2006-10-14 05:54:50 · answer #6 · answered by yahoohoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋