What was the primary reason the first government of the United States, under the Articles of Confederation, failed?

The first government of the United States under the Articles of Confederation failed primarily due to its weakness. The Articles established a confederal system where the national government had very limited powers and authority. This structure made it difficult for the government to address key issues such as taxation, national defense, and interstate commerce effectively.

The inability to levy taxes meant that the government could not generate revenue to fund its operations, leading to financial instability. Additionally, the lack of a strong executive branch or a national court system hindered the ability to enforce laws or resolve disputes. This weakness became increasingly problematic as the country faced various crises, including Shays' Rebellion and economic turmoil, which highlighted the inadequacies of the Articles in governing the states effectively.

Thus, the fundamental problem was that the Articles created a government that struggled to act decisively and cohesively, prompting the need for a stronger federal system, which ultimately led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.