When George Washington said that the national government was ''little more than shadow without the substance'' he probably meant that?

Answer 1

George Washington likely meant that the national government lacked sufficient power and authority to effectively govern and enforce laws. The phrase suggests that, despite its existence, the government was not able to fulfill its responsibilities or meet the needs of the nation, resulting in a weak and ineffective central authority. This sentiment reflected his concerns about the Articles of Confederation, which created a loose confederation that struggled to maintain order and unity among the states.