why did the new government after the revolution have a difficult time paying debts?

Answer 1

Which revolution are we talking about? Normally, a government that seized power as a result of revolution, simply refuses to pay pre-revolutionary debts, regardless of its ability to do so.

Answer 2

While the Articles of Confederation had the power to coin money, issue paper money, and borrow money, the states also had the power to coin money. Thus, there was no standard of measurement as to what was the value of the money. States could not be forced to give money to the national government. The government under the Articles had no power to force states to provide money nor did it have the power to tax. The states could prevent the national government from paying its debts. Rhode Island refused to approve a tariff on imports. It was the only state that refused, but under the Articles, one state could veto the yes votes of the other 12 states. Unanimous state approval was needed to raise money. To try and pay its bills, the Congress under the Articles did what governments do when they cannot afford to raise money--they simply began printing more paper money. That money soon became very low in value and the common phrase at the time was, "It's not worth a continental." Meaning that the object in question was as valueless as the paper money printed, called continentals. Even the bonds and certificates issued during the war to raise money were not holding their value. It would take the new Constitution and the approval of Hamilton's Financial Plan before the government began to get its economy in shape.

Answer 3

cause they were rich white men and didn't want to