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

One of the primary weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was the little ability to tax. Under this framework, the central government lacked the authority to impose taxes directly on the states or the citizens. Instead, it could only request funds from the states, which often resulted in insufficient revenue to support national interests, pay off war debts, or maintain military forces. This financial impotence greatly hindered the government's effectiveness and ability to operate efficiently, ultimately leading to calls for a stronger federal structure, which culminated in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The other aspects, such as legislative power and enforcement of laws, were also limited under the Articles, but the inability to tax was a fundamental issue that severely affected the government's functioning.