Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government was unable to pay its significant war debts primarily because it lacked the power to...
- coin money and establish a uniform currency across the states.
- borrow money from foreign nations or wealthy domestic creditors.
- directly levy and collect taxes from individuals or states. (correct answer)
- regulate interstate and foreign commerce to generate revenue from tariffs.
Explanation: The Articles did not grant Congress the power of direct taxation. It could only request funds from the states, which often refused to pay. This inability to raise its own revenue made it impossible for the national government to pay its debts.