Final answer:
The main weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the limited powers of the central government, particularly in raising an armed force. The power was given to a unicameral legislature with no executive. The founding fathers created the Articles to establish a governmental framework for the United States that protected against centralized tyranny.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Weakness of the Articles of Confederation
The main weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the limited powers given to the central or national government. Critical functions such as the ability to raise an army or navy were not accorded to the national government, leading to reliance on the states for defense.
Power Granted by the Articles of Confederation
Under the Articles of Confederation, power was vested in a unicameral legislature. This congress had minimal authority and there was no separate executive branch or comprehensive judiciary system to support its functioning.
Reason for Creating the Articles of Confederation
The founding fathers found it necessary to create the Articles of Confederation to establish a legal framework for a permanent government of the new United States. Their intent was not to replicate British monarchy but to avoid concentrated power and protect liberties by ensuring state sovereignty.