What was one of the biggest weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

The inability to regulate trade stands out as one of the most significant weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Under this system, the federal government lacked the authority to impose tariffs or regulate interstate commerce, which led to economic disarray among the states. Each state operated independently, setting its trade policies, which resulted in a fragmented and hostile commercial environment. This inconsistency hindered economic growth and created tensions between states, especially when competing economic interests came into play.

Moreover, the inability to effectively manage trade meant that foreign nations also saw the United States as a weak and disorganized entity, further complicating diplomatic relationships. The consequences of this weakness played a crucial role in the eventual push for a stronger federal government, ultimately leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which sought to rectify these and other deficiencies found in the Articles of Confederation.