What was one effect of the national government being too weak under the Articles of Confederation?

• A. Increased state cooperation
• B. Challenges in national defense
• C. Stronger executive powers
• D. Unified command over taxation

Answer: (B)

The national government under the Articles of Confederation was characterized by a lack of authority and power, which led to significant challenges in national defense. With a weak central government, the ability to raise a standing army or provide for effective military support was severely limited. States were largely responsible for their own defense, and there was no coordinated military strategy or resources available to address threats. This fragmentation made it difficult to respond to external dangers, such as invasions or uprisings, as individual states operated independently rather than working toward a common national security goal. The inadequacies in national defense highlighted the necessity for a stronger federal system, ultimately leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which provided a more robust framework for national governance.