What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

The major weakness of the Articles of Confederation lies in the lack of power to tax. Under this framework, the central government was unable to levy taxes directly on the citizens or states, leading to significant financial constraints. This lack of taxation authority hindered the government's ability to raise revenue necessary for paying debts, funding the army, and supporting government operations. Consequently, the national government struggled to maintain stability and effectively govern, highlighting the Articles' inadequacy in ensuring a functional federal system.

The inability to raise an army, while also a crucial weakness, is a consequence of the failure to collect taxes. Without the financial resources acquired through taxation, the government couldn't finance a standing army, which impacted its ability to defend the nation or maintain order. Similarly, excessive power to regulate commerce and strong centralized authority do not accurately characterize the Articles of Confederation, as it was primarily designed to limit federal power in favor of state sovereignty.