What was a significant impact of the Articles of Confederation on the central government?

The Articles of Confederation, adopted during the early years of the United States, established a framework for the national government that created a loose association of sovereign states with a weak central authority. One significant impact of the Articles was that it led to states struggling with weak national control. Under this system, the federal government lacked the power to levy taxes, regulate trade, or enforce laws effectively, which resulted in a lack of cohesion among the states.

States operated independently, often prioritizing their own interests over those of the nation, leading to disputes and challenges in addressing collective issues. This weakness became evident in events such as Shays' Rebellion, where the inability of the central government to respond to economic turmoil and civil unrest highlighted the limitations of the Articles. Ultimately, this struggle for effective governance under the Articles prompted calls for a revision, ultimately leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which aimed to create a stronger national framework.