Articles of Confederation During the Revolutionary War the American states began to adopt their own constitutions (written plan of government). The states viewed themselves as free and independent nations, not as one nation. The Continental Congress adopted a plan for a confederation during the Revolutionary War. This became the basis for the first national government.

Each state sent 2 – 7 representatives. Each state gets 1 vote. 9 of 13 states had to agree to pass a law. Congress

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Congress could not levy taxes. Congress could not regulate trade between the states (interstate commerce) or foreign trade. No standing army. No national court system. No executive branch of government. All 13 states had to agree to any changes to the Articles of Confederation.