What was a strength of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States and had some notable strengths, with one being its ability to foster a sense of unity among the states, particularly during the Revolutionary War. The central government under the Articles was deliberately weak to avoid the tyranny that had characterized British rule, but this also meant that states had to work closely together to confront common challenges, such as organizing military efforts against Britain and managing foreign relations.

During the war, the Articles helped to coordinate efforts among the states, creating a framework through which they could collaborate, albeit imperfectly, to sustain the war effort and collectively claim independence. This sense of mutual support and shared goals was crucial in facing the external threat posed by Britain.

In contrast, the other options reflect limitations of the Articles of Confederation. The government lacked the power to impose taxes directly on the states, which hampered efforts to raise funds for the war, and it did not create a strong central government capable of enforcing laws or regulating trade. Therefore, while the Articles had significant drawbacks, their role in fostering cooperation among the states during the war stands out as one of their strengths.