1. Limited Powers: The Articles of Confederation gave the federal government very limited powers. It could not levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce, or maintain a standing army. This made it difficult for the government to address national issues and respond to emergencies.
2. No Executive Branch: The Articles of Confederation did not establish a separate executive branch. Instead, the executive powers were vested in a committee called the Committee of the States, which was made up of representatives from each state. This made it difficult for the government to make quick and effective decisions.
3. No Judicial Branch: The Articles of Confederation did not create a national judicial system. Instead, each state had its own court system, which often led to conflicting rulings. This made it difficult for the government to enforce its laws and resolve disputes between states.
4. Unanimous Consent: The Articles of Confederation required unanimous consent from all states to pass any laws. This made it difficult for the government to pass legislation, as even a single state could block a proposal.
5. Lack of Enforcement Mechanisms: The Articles of Confederation did not give the federal government the power to enforce its laws. This made it difficult for the government to ensure that states complied with its decisions.
As a result of these weaknesses, the national government under the Articles of Confederation was unable to effectively address the challenges facing the country. This led to widespread dissatisfaction and calls for a stronger federal government, which ultimately resulted in the creation of the Constitution of the United States in 1789.