Articles of Confederation

A 1777 committee appointed by Congress created the Articles.

The Articles gave Congress the power to deal with the country's affairs and to solve disputes among states.

However, the Articles created a weak government in which sovereign state governments possessed all the power. This government lacked:
  • Power to collect taxes
  • Power to regulate trade
  • Ability to enforce laws
  • Possibility of passing laws
    • 9 out of 13 states needed o approve a bill
  • An executive branch
  • A national court system
  • Ability to eliminate quarreling between states

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