The Articles of Confederation

powers of the Confederation • Declare war • Negotiated treaties • Manage foreign affairs • Coin (print) money • Establish a postal system • Establish a military with troops contributed by states

Limits on the Confederation • No power to enforce laws • No national courts to settle disputes between the states • No power to tax • No power to regulate trade (could not put tariffs on foreign goods)

Structure of the Confederation • One branch of government (legislative) • One vote in Congress for each state • No national executive • No national courts

1. Too weak • Can’t tax Can’t enforce laws Had to ask states for soldiers or money

2. Economic problems No power to tax Can’t regulate interstate or foreign trade No common currency

3. boundary disputes No national courts to settle arguments

4. arguments States place tariffs on each other Disagree on laws and amendments

5. respect from other nations Can’t pay war debt (no power to tax) Can’t enforce treaties Problems with NA Issues with foreign trade