Final answer:
Washington saw the states' individualistic actions and conflicts with the federal government under the weak Articles of Confederation as potentially disastrous for national unity.
the 13 states fighting one another and the federal government, is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
George Washington believed that the problem that would ruin the United States under the Articles of Confederation was the 13 states fighting one another and the federal government. The Articles of Confederation were seen as too lax to maintain order and unity among the states, leading them to act almost as separate countries, each prioritizing its own interests over the collective good of the nation. This internal strife, coupled with a weak federal government that could not effectively enforce laws, regulate commerce, or provide for a common defense, underscored the need for a new, stronger central government to uphold national unity and stability.