What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation established a framework for the United States' first government following independence, but it had significant limitations. A major weakness was the absence of a central government authority, which is highlighted by the second choice. This lack of a strong federal structure meant that while the states operated with a degree of autonomy, there was no effective means to enforce laws, regulate commerce, or levy taxes at the national level.

The absence of a central authority created several challenges, such as difficulties in passing legislation due to the requirement for a supermajority in Congress, and it hindered the government’s ability to respond effectively to economic crises or internal conflicts among the states. As a result, the inadequacy of the Articles in forming a cohesive national government led to calls for a stronger federal system, ultimately culminating in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.