Why was the government weak under the atrticles of Confederation?
Drafted during the years 1776 and 1777, while the colonists were
still fighting for independence, the Articles of Confederation
created a weak national government with most of the governmental
powers retained by the states. The Articles provided no separation
of branches. There was no president or any other independent
executive, nor was there a federal judicial branch. Congress, the
legislature, was the only branch of government. Laws required
unanimous votes. Members elected to congress did not vote as
individuals, but as states. While congress did have some powers, it
could not enforce its laws on the states or the people. States were
permitted to coin their own money. There was no regulation of
commerce between the states and states could even enter into
treaties with foreign nations and declare war, “with the consent of
Congress.” Congress could not tax the states or the people, it
could only request funds to run the government.
