What document had a poor structure due to a lack of centralized government and power to tax?

The Articles of Confederation serves as the correct answer because it was the first governing document of the United States created after independence and is known for its weak structure, particularly in relation to the central government. Under the Articles, the national government did not have the authority to impose taxes, which significantly hindered its ability to raise revenue and effectively govern. This lack of centralized power led to various challenges, such as difficulty in funding military operations, paying off debts, and regulating commerce between the states.

In contrast, the Constitution established a stronger federal government with the power to tax and regulate interstate commerce, addressing some of the critical weaknesses that were present under the Articles of Confederation. The Bill of Rights, which is a collection of amendments protecting individual liberties, and the Federalist Papers, which were essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution, do not relate to structural weaknesses of government but rather are components or advocates of a stronger centralized authority.