Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Weakness Outcome
Congress had no power to lay or collect taxes. The government was always short of money
Congress had no power to regulate interstate or foreign trade. Economic quarrels among the states broke out. There was difficulty in arranging for trade with other countries.
Congress had no power to enforce its laws. The government depended on the states to enforce the laws.
Approval of nine states was needed to enact laws. It was difficult to enact laws.
Amendments to the Articles required the consent of all thirteen states. There was no practical way to change the powers of the government.
The government had no executive branch. There was no effective way to coordinate the work of the government.
There was no national court system. The central government had no way of settling disputes among the states.
Question
Use the chart to answer the question.
Which of the following statements best summarizes the information provided on the chart?
(1 point)
Responses
The Articles of Confederation gave too much power to the individual state governments.
The Articles of Confederation gave too much power to the individual state governments. - no response given
Most of the Articles of Confederation’s weaknesses related to the central government’s lack of economic power.
Most of the Articles of Confederation’s weaknesses related to the central government’s lack of economic power. - incorrect
The inability of the central government to enact laws was a critical weakness in the Articles of Confederation.
The inability of the central government to enact laws was a critical weakness in the Articles of Confederation. - no response given
The central government as it was established in the Articles of Confederation could not function effectively.