How does the quote reveal a weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation? The states might not raise enough taxes to meet the needs of the national government. The national government could not declare war. Congress could not convene without the states’ permission. All charges of war, and all other expenses that shall be incurred for the common defense or general welfare … shall be defrayed out of a common treasury. … The taxes for paying that proportion shall be laid and levied by the authority and direction of the legislatures of the several States within the time agreed upon by the United States in Congress assembled. – The Articles of Confederation