Keeping a continental army was challenging under the Articles of Confederation for several reasons:
Lack of Central Authority: The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government with limited powers. The Continental Congress, which was the governing body under the Articles, did not have the authority to levy taxes or raise a standing army. This made it difficult to fund and maintain a professional military force.
Dependence on State Contributions: The central government relied on the voluntary contributions of individual states for funding and troops. States had the authority to decide whether or not to provide troops and resources, and they often had competing interests and priorities. This led to inconsistent support for the army.
Financial Struggles: The central government's inability to levy taxes meant that it had to request funds from the states. States were often slow to respond or provided insufficient funds, leaving the army underfunded and poorly supplied. This led to issues such as unpaid soldiers and shortages of essential supplies.
Inefficiency in Decision-Making: The decision-making process under the Articles was cumbersome and inefficient. It required the consent of nine out of thirteen states to pass important legislation, including matters related to the military. This often resulted in delays and gridlock in crucial military decisions.
Lack of Coordinated Leadership: The military command structure was decentralized, and there was a lack of a unified leadership. Each state had its own militia and often operated independently. This lack of coordination made it challenging to mount effective military campaigns.
Inadequate Power to Enforce Orders: The central government had limited power to enforce its orders or requisitions. States could disregard requests for troops or resources without facing significant consequences, which undermined the effectiveness of the continental army.
Low Morale and Desertion: Due to the financial struggles, unpaid wages, and difficult conditions, morale in the continental army was often low. Soldiers were more likely to desert or abandon their posts, further weakening the army.
These challenges contributed to the difficulty of maintaining a continental army under the Articles of Confederation. The weaknesses of the Articles eventually led to the Constitutional Convention and the adoption of the United States Constitution, which established a stronger federal government with the authority to raise and maintain a standing army.