What was a significant flaw of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States, had several limitations, with the inability to levy taxes being one of the most significant flaws. Under the Articles, the central government lacked the power to impose taxes, which meant it could not generate revenue to fund its operations or pay off war debts. This inability severely hampered the government’s effectiveness and its capacity to respond to national issues.

Without a reliable source of income, the government was dependent on voluntary contributions from the states, leading to financial instability and an inability to implement policies or maintain a standing army. This flaw became evident during events like Shays' Rebellion, when the government could not respond effectively due to its limited resources. The lack of taxing power highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles and ultimately contributed to the decision to draft a new constitution that established a stronger federal government with the authority to levy taxes, ensuring it could function effectively and maintain order.