What did the lack of a central government under the Articles of Confederation hinder?

The lack of a central government under the Articles of Confederation significantly hindered trade with foreign nations. Without a strong federal authority to negotiate trade agreements or enforce trade policies, states operated independently, often imposing tariffs and trade restrictions on each other and competing against one another for foreign commerce. This fragmentation led to a disorganized economic environment that deterred international trade and made it difficult for the United States to present a unified front to foreign governments. The absence of a central government also meant that there was no capability to regulate interstate commerce effectively, further complicating trade relations with other countries. This limitation contributed to economic instability and was one of the primary reasons for the eventual drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which aimed to create a more cohesive and effective federal government.