Which of the following was NOT a reason for the failure of the Articles of Confederation?

The choice that reflects a reason for the failure of the Articles of Confederation is the central government's inability to effectively govern, specifically highlighted by its lack of power to levy taxes. Under the Articles, the federal government was designed to have limited authority, which meant it could not impose taxes on the states or individuals. This inability to charge taxes severely hampered the government's ability to pay debts or fund operations, leading to financial instability.

Furthermore, the weakness in regulating trade arose because the Articles did not grant the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce effectively, leading to economic disarray among the states. Additionally, the lack of a strong federal military created challenges in responding to threats or maintaining order, further undermining the government’s effectiveness.

In contrast, the statement regarding too much power in the central government is incorrect. The Articles were intentionally designed to limit central authority in favor of state sovereignty, which is contrary to the notion of an absolute monarch. Thus, option A correctly identifies a misconception about the nature of power under the Articles of Confederation and is not a valid reason for their failure.