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

The inability to regulate trade was indeed one of the most significant weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Under this framework, the central government lacked the authority to impose tariffs or regulate commerce between the states or with foreign nations. This led to a fragmented economy, where states could engage in their own trade policies, resulting in competition and conflict among them. For example, some states imposed tariffs on goods from other states, which hindered economic growth and created tensions. The lack of a strong federal mechanism to enforce trade regulations ultimately highlighted the inadequacy of the Articles in ensuring a stable and cohesive economic environment, contributing to the call for a stronger national government and the eventual drafting of the U.S. Constitution.