The articles of confederation was a written document that established the functions of the national government. It gave Congress the power to:
Wage wars
Make treaties
Appoint ambassadors
Settle border disputes
Establish maritime courts
The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, establishing a weak national government. Congress was granted limited powers such as declaring war and making treaties, but lacked authority to tax or enforce laws. This ineffectiveness led to the Articles being replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789.
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