Under the Articles, which power was explicitly granted to the national government?

• A. Regulate interstate commerce
• B. Establish a national bank
• C. Make peace
• D. Levy taxes

Answer: (C)

Under the Articles, the national government was designed to handle foreign affairs and war, not to micromanage the economy or tax the states. Making peace with other nations was one of the explicit powers given to Congress, so it fits what the national government could actually do. In contrast, regulating interstate commerce, establishing a national bank, and levying taxes were not granted powers to the central government (taxes had to be requested from states, and trade regulation and a national bank were left to the states or to later constitutional arrangements). So the option that reflects a legitimate national authority under the Articles is making peace.