What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? Congress could not declare war or establish an army. Congress could n
ot levy taxes. Congress could not control trade. Not all the states were represented in Congress. There was no national court system. There was no executive to enforce the laws. Congress could not negotiate with foreign governments. Nine of the states had to agree to pass a law.
Congress could not levy taxes (It did not have the power to tax citizens and it was almost impossible to pay for the costs of the American Revolution
.)
Congress could not control trade. (either national or foreign)
Nine of the states had to agree to pass a law. (The approval of only nine states was required to ratify laws.)
There was no national court system. (The country did not have the power to enforce laws.)