The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Government established the Department of Foreign Affairs, War, Marine and Treasury.

Strength

Government granted the free inhabitants of each state "all privileges and immunities of free citizens in the several states."

Strength

Government passed the Northwest Ordinance of 1783 which allowed the Northwest Territories to organize their own government.

Strength

Government signed a treaty of alliance with France in 1778.

Strength

Government successfully waged a war for independence against the British

Strength

Government negotiated an end of the American Revolution in the Treaty of Paris signed in 1783

Strength

Amendments could only be added with the approval of all 13 states.

Weakness

Approval of 9 of 13 states was required to pass a law in Congress.

Weakness

Congress had no power to coin money; therefore each state developed its own currency.

Weakness

Congress was unable to regulate interstate commerce; some states refused to pay for goods they purchased from abroad.

Weakness

It was just a "firm league of friendship"- states were not united.

Weakness

No executive branch was established to enforce laws.

Weakness

Congress was unable to impose taxes; it could only borrow on credit.

Weakness

No national court system was established to enforce laws.

Weakness

One vote was allotted for each state, despite the size of its population.

Weakness