Which was a key feature of the Articles of Confederation?

• A. A weak federal government
• B. A strong centralized government
• C. A system of checks and balances
• D. A single legislative body

Answer: (A)

The Articles of Confederation established a framework for the first national government of the United States, and a key feature of this framework was the creation of a weak federal government. This was a reflection of the early American colonists' wariness of centralized authority, stemming from their experiences under British rule. The Articles intentionally limited the powers of the federal government, granting most authority to the individual states. This arrangement resulted in a government that lacked the ability to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws effectively, ultimately leading to its inadequacies and the subsequent need for a stronger federal system under the Constitution.

While the Articles did include a unicameral legislative body—the Congress of the Confederation—this structure was a direct result of the overarching principle of limiting federal power, rather than an emphasis on strong central governance. Additionally, there were no distinct systems of checks and balances as seen in later governmental frameworks, which further highlights the intended weakness of the federal structure created by the Articles.