The Articles of Confederation served as the United States' first constitution, functioning from 1781 until its replacement in 1789. Various issues arose during this period that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles. One such issue revolved around the federal government's ability to raise revenue and maintain order. Historians often analyze these issues to understand how they contributed to the legislative changes that led to the drafting of the Constitution.
Considering this context, which of the following statements best describes a significant limitation of the Articles of Confederation?