Question

a major failing of the united states government under the articles of confederation was its
a inability to allow the united states to expand.
b inability to regulate commerce among the states.
c failure to defend texas from being annexed by mexico.
d failure to settle conflicts over the settlement of western lands.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The Articles of Confederation didn't prevent expansion; in fact, there were land policies for expansion, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government had no power to regulate interstate commerce. Each state could set its own trade policies, leading to economic chaos. This was a major failing.
• Option C: Texas annexation by Mexico was not a concern of the Articles of Confederation era (Texas was annexed by the US later, and the Articles predate that situation), so C is incorrect.
• Option D: The Articles had mechanisms (like the Land Ordinance of 1785) to address western land settlement, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. inability to regulate commerce among the states.