Under the Articles of Confederation, which powers did Congress lack?

• A. Power to Declare War
• B. Power to Tax, Regulate Trade, or Coin Money
• C. Power to Issue Paper Money
• D. Power to Negotiate Treaties

Answer: (B)

Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government was built to be intentionally weak, especially in economic and fiscal areas. Congress could not levy taxes, regulate commerce between states or with other nations, or coin money into a single national currency. Because of this, the national government had no reliable revenue, couldn’t coordinate economic policy, and could not enforce a unified monetary system, while states acted independently and often created their own currencies. Declaring war is a power Congress did have, so that option describes a strength rather than a lack. Currency issues are part of the same money-power limitation, which is why the statement about taxes, trade, and coinage best captures what Congress could not do.