A) Congress had no way to impose taxes and raise money. B) There was nothing that compelled the members of Congress to show up for work. C) The states had far too much power. D) All of the above."
What exactly was the problem there?
Are you implying that the Constitution was unnecessary? Keep in mind that the primary issue behind the Constitution was maintaing the Union while protecting the rights of citizens. It was clear that the Articles of Confederation were not going to do that. The biggest failures of the Articles were that they ultimatly had no authority over the states. The states were not compelled to listen to anything the central government called for; including recongizing the rights of citizens of other states, allow trade between states, ensuring the rights of citizens, etc.
In order to improve this system they had to have a stronger central government, that could compel the states on certain issues, but would remain subservant on others. In order to have a government capable of action they have to have money, thus they must have a way to tax. But the writers of the Constitution were wearing of direct taxes upon the people and preferred taxation of the states, according to population size.
Obviously, the Constition (as it was orignally written) was a much better system, that does address points A and C, without falling into the pit of unreasonable taxation or overwhelming central power. Of course, it has been preturbed, amended (16th), twisted and re-interpreted over the years so that it has swung too far the other direction, but A and C are absolutly correct.
As for choice B...
I see how that could have been an issue under the old system. But with the central government having some real influnce it would not be in anyone's interest to just not send representatives to Congress. The state governments and the people would not tolerate a congressman the just blew off his responsiblity and his tenure in Congress would be short lived.
Of course, given the way things are today, I agree with you and don't see a problem with any of these things.