Final answer:
The correct answer is option A. Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government lacked the power to levy taxes, resulting in a dependence on the states for voluntary contributions and leading to an underfunded government.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Power Lacked by the National Government Under the Articles of Confederation
Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government of the United States lacked several important powers that would later be addressed with the creation of the Constitution. One such crucial power that the national government did not possess was the power to levy taxes. This inability to impose taxes meant that to raise funds, the national government was dependent on the states voluntarily contributing money, often leading to an underfunded government unable to meet its financial obligations or conduct effective foreign affairs. On the contrary, powers like the ability to declare war and establish a postal system were indeed granted to the national government under the Articles.
The correct option in response to what important power the national government lacked under the Articles of Confederation is:
- A) The power to levy taxes