Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation was a failure due to the national government's lack of power in key areas such as defense, taxation, and resolving disputes. These limitations highlighted the need for a stronger government and eventually led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Articles of Confederation was a failure because the national government lacked the power to perform key functions necessary for effective governance. One of the major problems was the government's inability to raise an army or navy. It relied on the states for soldiers, which could result in a lack of defense if the states refused to honor the government's request.
Additionally, the central government lacked the power to tax or pay down the national debt, which hindered its ability to address economic problems and assert authority. It also had limited authority in settling disputes between states and negotiating trade agreements with other countries.
These limitations showcased the weaknesses of a decentralized government system and led to the realization that a stronger national government was needed. The shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation paved the way for the development of the U.S. Constitution.