What was one of the main critiques of the Articles of Confederation that led to the Constitutional Convention?

• A. It provided too much power to the President
• B. It did not allow for a standing army
• C. It created a weak federal government
• D. It limited the influence of the states

Answer: (C)

One of the main critiques of the Articles of Confederation was that it created a weak federal government. Under the Articles, the national government lacked the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws effectively. This resulted in financial instability and an inability to address various issues facing the country, such as interstate disputes and defense against external threats. The inadequacy of these powers rendered the federal government ineffective, leading to calls for a stronger centralized authority, which ultimately sparked the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Delegates aimed to create a new framework that balanced state and federal powers while ensuring a functional and responsive national government.