Weaknesses of the articles of confederation

Answer: 1. No taxing power. The confederation gov't could not require states to pay taxes.

2. Inflation; The continental dollars were not backed by gold or silver so their value was inflated.

3. Jealousy and Arguing among states.

4. Tariff Wars (tax wars)

5. Foreign Affairs in Shambles.

6. System of checks and balances

7. The central government lacked strong powers.

8. Congress could not control trade or commerce.

Explanation: The major downfall of the Articles of Confederation was simply weakness. The federal government, under the Articles, was too weak to enforce their laws and therefore had no power. The Continental Congress had borrowed money to fight the Revolutionary War and could not repay their debts.