The Articles of Confederation lacked the power to levy taxes or what?

The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government, intentionally limiting its powers to prevent tyranny, as experienced under British rule. One significant limitation was the inability to regulate trade among the states and with foreign nations. This lack of power meant that Congress could not effectively manage economic relations or establish a uniform trade policy, leading to economic disruptions and trade conflicts between states.

The inability to regulate trade resulted in states pursuing their own trade agreements and tariffs, which created inconsistencies and conflicts. This problem contributed to economic instability and ultimately highlighted the need for a stronger federal government, which was addressed in the U.S. Constitution. Recognizing these weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation was a key motivation for the Constitutional Convention, where delegates sought to create a more cohesive framework for the governance of the fledgling nation.