what were the responsibilities of congress under the articles of confederation?
Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress was the main national government body and had a mix of important powers but very limited enforcement ability.
Core responsibilities
Under the Articles, Congress (often called “the United States in Congress assembled”) was responsible for major national and international matters, while the states kept most other powers. Congress acted as both a legislative and executive-style body, but it depended on the states to carry out many decisions.
War and foreign affairs
Congress handled nearly all national defense and diplomacy. Its main responsibilities included:
- Deciding on war and peace.
- Raising and directing the Continental Army and Navy (though it relied on states for troops and money).
- Conducting foreign relations, sending and receiving ambassadors, and making treaties and alliances.
Money and economics
Congress had some financial powers, but they were weaker than those under the later Constitution. Key responsibilities were:
- Coining money and borrowing money in the name of the United States.
- Requesting (not directly taxing) money and supplies from the states through “requisitions.”
- Regulating trade and relations with Native American tribes, especially in areas not clearly under state authority.
Disputes and administration
Congress also served as a kind of national referee and basic administrative center. It could:
- Set up special courts to settle disputes between states (such as boundary conflicts).
- Establish and regulate the national postal system.
- Appoint key civil and military officers and create committees to manage daily government business.
Limits on Congress
Even with these responsibilities, Congress under the Articles was intentionally kept weak.
- It could not levy national taxes or regulate interstate and foreign commerce effectively; it had to ask states for money and cooperation.
- Many important decisions (like declaring war or making major treaties) required the approval of nine of the thirteen states, which made action slow and difficult.
These limits were a major reason the Articles of Confederation were eventually replaced by the U.S. Constitution, which strengthened the powers of Congress and the national government overall.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.