How might your life be different now if the US still used articles of confederation?

The United States of America would look vastly different if the Articles of Confederation were still in effect. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, adopted in 1781 and replaced by the current Constitution in 1789. The Articles created a very loose confederation of states, with each state retaining significant autonomy. Here are a few key differences in how life might be different in the US if the Articles of Confederation were still in place:

Limited Federal Power: Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government would have limited authority compared to today's federal government. States would have more power to make their own laws and regulations. This could lead to significant variations in laws and policies across the country, making it more challenging for citizens to navigate different rules in different states.

Weak Central Government: The central government would be much weaker than the current federal government. The federal government would have difficulty raising revenue, regulating commerce, and maintaining a standing military. This could make the US more vulnerable to foreign threats and internal conflicts.

State Sovereignty: States would have a greater degree of sovereignty and independence. They would have the power to make their own laws, conduct foreign relations, and maintain their own armed forces. This could lead to conflicts and disputes between states, potentially escalating into interstate wars or diplomatic tensions.

Difficulty in Policy Implementation: Passing federal laws would be a challenging process, requiring the unanimous consent of all states. This would make it difficult to address national issues that require collective action, such as infrastructure projects, environmental regulations, or economic policies.

Representation and Voting Rights: The representation and voting system in the federal government would be different under the Articles of Confederation. Each state would have one vote in the Congress, regardless of its population. This would give smaller states a disproportionate influence on national decisions, potentially marginalizing the voices of citizens in larger states.

International Relations: The US's ability to engage in international diplomacy and negotiate with foreign nations would be limited due to the weak central government. It would be challenging for the US to project power and influence in the global arena.

Overall, life in the US under the Articles of Confederation would likely be characterized by a weaker central government, limited federal power, greater state sovereignty, challenges in policy implementation, differing laws across states, and potential difficulties in international relations.