What were considered weaknesses of the government established by the Articles of Confederation?

The government established by the Articles of Confederation had several weaknesses that significantly hindered its effectiveness. One of the central issues was its lack of power to levy taxes, which meant that it could not generate revenue to pay for national expenses. This financial instability hampered the government's ability to function and address the needs of the nation, especially in times of crisis.

Moreover, the Articles did not provide for an executive branch or a national judiciary, which meant there was no centralized enforcement of laws or resolution of disputes between states. This absence of a cohesive structure led to inefficiencies in governance and contributed to growing discontent among states and citizens alike.

The inability to regulate trade further compounded these issues, as individual states could impose their trade regulations leading to economic disparities and tensions between them. Therefore, the limitations of power in taxation and governance under the Articles of Confederation created a weak, decentralized government that struggled to address the needs of a burgeoning nation.