Final answer:
The national government under the Articles of Confederation could not levy taxes, regulate interstate trade, or maintain a standing army, leading to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government did not have the power to levy taxes, regulate trade between states, or maintain a standing army.
While the Confederation Congress could declare war and conduct foreign affairs, it depended on the states to provide funding and troops, leaving the young nation financially dependent and militarily weak.
This lack of power was a significant factor leading to the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution, which granted the federal government these essential powers.