Challenges of the Articles of Confederation

In the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War, the United States operated under the Articles of Confederation, which established a loose alliance among the thirteen states. Despite the intention of promoting unity, this framework resulted in significant weaknesses in governance. One particular issue that emerged during this period was the inability of the national government to effectively manage economic policies and collect revenue, leading to financial instability and discord among the states.

Which of the following provisions of the Articles of Confederation best illustrates the challenges faced by the national government in exerting its authority over the states?