Which statement describes a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• A. The central government could tax the states
• B. States had no votes in the unicameral legislature
• C. No strong central government and the government could not tax or regulate interstate commerce
• D. There was a national currency that controlled money

Answer: (C)

The question tests why the Articles of Confederation left the national government weak. Under the Articles, the central government was intentionally limited and depended on the states for revenue, so it could not impose taxes. It also lacked the power to regulate trade between states, which meant there was no unified national economic policy and states could pursue their own interests.

This combination—no power to levy taxes and no power to regulate interstate commerce—created financial strain and economic conflict among states, showing the failure of a strong central government. The other statements don’t fit because there wasn’t a true national tax power, there wasn’t a single national currency controlled by the center (each state issued its own money), and states did have representation in the unicameral Congress—so those claims aren’t accurate.