Why did american colonists have trouble redeeming continentals, representative money backed by the second continental congress? colonists preferred to use bills issued by the massachusetts bay colony. they were thought to be a symbol of central government control. the government had no power to collect taxes. there was a shortage of gold and silver?

The correct answer is the government had no power to collect taxes

According to the articles of confederation, taxes were a state issue, not a federal one, and a federal government could not meddle in such affairs. This was resolved in the constitution when it was decided that all taxes and coinage and things affecting money would be dealt with by the legislative branch, that is, the congress.