What was a key reason for the failure of the Articles of Confederation?

The failure of the Articles of Confederation can primarily be attributed to the fact that the states largely ignored them. This lack of adherence stemmed from the Articles' inherent weaknesses, particularly its inability to impose taxes or regulate commerce effectively. Without a strong federal authority, states often acted independently, prioritizing their own interests over the collective needs of the nation. For instance, each state was free to manage its own trade policies, leading to economic discord and rivalry among states.

While it might seem that giving too much power to the federal government could lead to failure, the Articles actually created a weak central authority. The absence of amendments, although a challenge, was not a primary reason for failure, as the Articles themselves were quite rigid and difficult to change. Lastly, the issue of voting rights, while significant in the broader context of post-Revolution America, did not directly lead to the dysfunction of the Articles. Instead, the overarching problem was that the agreement relied too heavily on the voluntary cooperation of states that often acted in their own self-interest rather than for the unity and strength of the country.