USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress lacked the authority to regulate commerce, making it unable to protect or standardize trade between foreign nations and the various states.

Detailed explanation-2: -Why was the government’s authority to regulate commerce a weakness of the Articles of Confederation? The president’s authority to collect taxes unfairly burdened the poor. The national court system unfairly prosecuted trade laws.

Detailed explanation-3: -The document was practically impossible to amend. The Articles required unanimous consent to any amendment, so all 13 states would need to agree on a change. Given the rivalries between the states, that rule made the Articles impossible to adapt after the war ended with Britain in 1783.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Articles of Confederation created a national government composed of a Congress, which had the power to declare war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors, and manage relations with Indians.

Detailed explanation-5: -Congress was unable to impose taxes; it could only borrow money on credit. No national court system was established to protect the rights of U.S. citizens. No executive branch was established to enforce laws. Amendments could be added only with the approval of all 13 states.