What factor made the Articles of Confederation considered weak?

The Articles of Confederation are often viewed as weak primarily because they lacked a system for collecting taxes. This significant limitation meant that the federal government could not raise revenue to pay debts, fund an army, or carry out other essential functions. The inability to generate income made it difficult for the national government to operate effectively, leading to financial instability and dependence on state contributions, which were often unreliable.

The consequences of this limitation became apparent after the Revolutionary War, as the federal government struggled to address economic challenges and respond to internal and external threats. The lack of a centralized taxation authority hindered the government’s ability to function properly and maintain order, eventually prompting calls for a stronger federal framework that led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

In contrast, while some may consider the other factors relevant, they do not encapsulate the central weakness that emerged from the Articles of Confederation as clearly as the absence of a tax-collection system does.