Question

Which responsibilities were assigned to the federal government under the Articles of Confederation?

Answer 1

War



The Articles of Confederation gave the federal government the power to declare war, make peace and enter into treaties as well as the power to maintain an army and navy. However, at least nine states had to ratify any and all decisions made by the federal government. This was built in as a necessary protection for the new country but made actually taking action very difficult because it could take weeks or even months to obtain ratification.


Money



The federal government had the power to borrow and coin money, but no power to raise or level taxes of any kind. This would have been economically dangerous in the long term because the money printed by the government would not have been backed by anything. Additionally the states, which did have the power of taxation, were free to print their own currency. The federal government also had no power to regulate trade among the states and internationally, enabling each state to enter into its own agreements and regulate its own trade without regard to other states.



Legal



The federal government had very little power to make or enforce laws. The states had the right to create and operate courts but the federal government did not. Additionally, as with everything else, the states had to ratify any law approved by Congress. A law could only be passed if nine of the 13 states approved it, and even then, the federal government could not force any state to comply with a law. This made any law passed by Congress little more than a suggestion.


Others Provisions



Although the Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781 and the U.S. officially gained its independence in 1783, George Washington didn't become the first President until after the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1789. That is because the Articles of Confederation made no provision for an executive branch of government, only the Congress. Other parts of the Articles of Confederation granted Congress the power to establish a postal service and allowed Canada to enter into the union without further approval if the Canadian colonies declared independence.