What is a characteristic of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

The characteristic of the national government under the Articles of Confederation that is most accurate is the weakness of its central authority. The Articles, which served as the first constitution of the United States from 1781 to 1789, created a confederation of sovereign states that retained most of their independence and power. The central government had very limited powers, primarily focusing on issues like foreign affairs and war, but lacked the authority to enforce laws, levy taxes, or regulate commerce effectively.

This structure led to significant difficulties, such as interstate disputes and financial instability, highlighting the inability of the national government to respond adequately to various challenges. The weak central authority ultimately contributed to the call for a stronger federal government, leading to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and the creation of the current U.S. Constitution.

Considering the other options, the Articles did not establish a strong executive branch, as there was no distinct executive leader; it employed a unicameral legislature but that feature alone does not capture the essence of the national government's ineffectiveness; and there were no established federal courts under the Articles, as the judicial structure was largely left to the states. Thus, the key characteristic is indeed the weak central authority.