The Articles of Confederation created a Nation that was “a league of friendship and perpetual union,” but it was the state governments that had most of the power under the Articles, with little power given to the central government.

The Articles of Confederation established a weak national government comprising a one-house legislature. The Congress had the power to declare war, sign treaties, and settle disputes between states, though it could not tax its states or regulate trade.

Congress claimed the following powers: to make war and peace; conduct foreign affairs; request men and money from the states; coin and borrow money; regulate Indian affairs; and settle disputes among the states.

One of the biggest problems was that the national government had no power to impose taxes. To avoid any perception of “taxation without representation,” the Articles of Confederation allowed only state governments to levy taxes. To pay for its expenses, the national government had to request money from the states.

Each State retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the united states in Congress assembled. The Articles of Confederation set up the first government of the United States.

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With the passage of time, weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation became apparent; Congress commanded little respect and no support from state governments anxious to maintain their power. Congress could not raise funds, regulate trade, or conduct foreign policy without the voluntary agreement of the states.

Under the Articles of Confederation the national government managed to achieve a variety of successes such as the creation of executive departments to administer finance, foreign relations, and military affairs but the most important achievement would be the Northwest Ordinance which guaranteed equal treatment for …

The Articles of Confederation offered no system of courts in the jurisdiction of the national government. This meant that the entire judiciary branch was dependent on the states. Since Congress had no means to enforce its laws, the states could simply ignore national laws without fear of retribution.

The biggest benefits of the constitution over the Articles is the constitution states that the people rule, and the constitution allows everybody to vote and majority wins, however the Articles of Confederation states that only two-thirds vote.

A major weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that Congress could not tax. Congress could only request that taxes be submitted. This is a big weakness because tax money IS needed to do things like fund a military and provide much-needed services for the country.

1)There was no President or court system, 2)Each state had only one vote, 3) limited powers, 4)each state could make own coins/money 5) Congress could settle conflicts between states and could ask for money and soldiers but not force it 6) All 13 state shad to agree to the Articles of Confederation.

Constitution Scavenger hunt

Notably, both the states and the federal government have the power to tax, make and enforce laws, charter banks, and borrow money.

The Articles of Confederation served as the written document that established the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain.

Forty state constitutions specify that government be divided into three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. California illustrates this approach; “The powers of state government are legislative, executive, and judicial.

How much power do the states have in a confederate system of government? They have most of the power.

The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution would seem to preserve broad authority to state governments: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” These reserved powers, often called the police …

Powers Reserved to the States

• ownership of property.
• education of inhabitants.
• implementation of welfare and other benefits programs and distribution of aid.
• protecting people from local threats.
• maintaining a justice system.
• setting up local governments such as counties and municipalities.

In addition to their exclusive powers, both the national government and state governments share the power of being able to:

• Collect taxes.
• Build roads.
• Borrow money.
• Establish courts.
• Make and enforce laws.
• Charter banks and corporations.
• Spend money for the general welfare.