Enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes were powers reserved to the states.

What were 3 powers under the Articles of Confederation?

Delegates gave the Continental Congress the power to request money from the states and make appropriations, regulating the armed forces, appointing civil servants, and declaring war.

What rights did the states have under the Articles of Confederation?

Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.

Did states have power under the Articles of Confederation?





The Articles of Confederation created a Nation that was “a league of friendship and perpetual union,” but it was the state governments that had most of the power under the Articles, with little power given to the central government.

What powers did the Articles of Confederation limit?

Under the Articles, the states, not Congress, had the power to tax. Congress could raise money only by asking the states for funds, borrowing from foreign governments, and selling western lands. In addition, Congress could not draft soldiers or regulate trade.

What are the 7 Articles of Confederation?

The Articles

  • Article I. Legislative Branch.
  • Article II. Executive Branch.
  • Article III. Judicial Branch.
  • Article IV. States, Citizenship, New States.
  • Article V. Amendment Process.
  • Article VI. Debts, Supremacy, Oaths, Religious Tests.
  • Article VII. Ratification.



What happened to the states under the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, leaving most of the power with the state governments. The need for a stronger Federal government soon became apparent and eventually led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.



What couldn’t the states do under the Articles of Confederation?

The states rarely contributed money, meaning the national government could not pay its debts or fund initiatives. The national government could not regulate international or interstate trade.

Can states pass laws under the Articles of Confederation?

The central government was weak since the majority of the power rested with the states and Congress was not given the power to tax.. The Articles of Confederation called for unanimous approval of the states to change or amend the Articles, and for the approval by 9 of the 13 states to pass all major laws.

What are the states powers?

Powers Reserved to the States

  • ownership of property.
  • education of inhabitants.
  • implementation of welfare and other benefits programs and distribution of aid.
  • protecting people from local threats.
  • maintaining a justice system.
  • setting up local governments such as counties and municipalities.

What powers does the state government have?



These can include, for example, setting up courts, levying taxes, and spending and borrowing money. Typically, these are powers necessary for maintenance of public facilities.

What are the 3 powers given to Congress in the Constitution?

The Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to enact legislation and declare war, the right to confirm or reject many Presidential appointments, and substantial investigative powers.

What 3 powers were given to Congress?

These include the power to declare war, coin money, raise an army and navy, regulate commerce, establish rules of immigration and naturalization, and establish the federal courts and their jurisdictions.

What is the 3 major reasons why the Articles of Confederation was weak?

10 reasons why America’s first constitution failed

  • The states didn’t act immediately.
  • The central government was designed to be very, very weak.
  • The Articles Congress only had one chamber and each state had one vote.
  • Congress needed 9 of 13 states to pass any laws.
  • The document was practically impossible to amend.

What were 3 of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and how did they limit the power of the federal government?



Each state only had one vote in Congress, regardless of its population. The citizens of small states had proportionally more political power than the citizens of large states. The national government had no executive branch. The national government had no way of implementing or enforcing its legislative decisions.

What are the 5 major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Six Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation:

  • No central leadership (executive branch)
  • Congress had no power to enforce its laws.
  • Congress had no power to tax.
  • Congress had no power to regulate trade.
  • No national court system (judicial branch)
  • Changes to the Articles required unanimous.


What were the powers and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

With the passage of time, weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation became apparent; Congress commanded little respect and no support from state governments anxious to maintain their power. Congress could not raise funds, regulate trade, or conduct foreign policy without the voluntary agreement of the states.