Which of the following statements correctly identifies a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• A. The central government could tax states directly
• B. It provided a strong national currency controlled by Congress
• C. Amendments could be easily changed
• D. The central government was too weak and could not enforce taxes or regulate commerce

Answer: (D)

The central issue being tested is the weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation. The big problem was that the national government could not enforce taxes or regulate commerce because it lacked real power to compel states. Without the ability to tax, the national government had little money to operate, and it depended on states for funds. Without the power to regulate trade, states could impose conflicting laws and tariffs, making interstate and international commerce chaotic. Amendments required all thirteen states to agree, so changing anything was nearly impossible. There was no executive to enforce laws and no national court to settle disputes, further weakening the government. So, the statement that best identifies a major weakness—that the central government was too weak and could not enforce taxes or regulate commerce—captures the core problem of the Articles.