Which of the following statements accurately describes the national judiciary under the Articles of Confederation?

• A. It was strong and effective
• B. It was nonexistent
• C. It was limited but functioning
• D. It had the power to legislate

Answer: (B)

The correct choice reflects the fact that under the Articles of Confederation, there was no national judiciary established. The Articles favored state sovereignty and provided for a weak central government, which meant there was no formal mechanism or body to interpret or enforce national laws at the federal level.

This lack of a national court system led to significant issues, such as inconsistency in law enforcement between states and the inability to resolve disputes that crossed state lines. Consequently, the absence of a judiciary under the Articles ultimately contributed to the weaknesses of the government and the call for a stronger federal structure, which later culminated in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

Understanding this context is essential, as it highlights not only the dysfunctions of the Articles but also the reasons that led to their replacement.