What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation established a framework for governance in the early years of the United States but faced several critical weaknesses that ultimately led to its replacement. One of the most significant weaknesses was its lack of authority to tax and regulate trade.

Under the Articles, the federal government did not have the power to impose taxes; it relied entirely on contributions from the states to fund government activities. This created financial instability and made it difficult for the government to pay debts or fund operations, leading to fiscal challenges that hindered its effectiveness.

Additionally, the inability to regulate interstate and international trade meant that states could impose their own tariffs and regulations, which created barriers to commerce and hindered economic growth. This fragmentation of trade policies made it difficult for the United States to conduct foreign trade effectively or establish a cohesive national market.

Overall, this lack of tax authority and regulation over trade severely limited the federal government’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to the needs of the nation, highlighting the need for a stronger centralized government.