The Articles of Confederation was the first form of government for the United States and formed a loose union between states. It gave powers like declaring war and signing treaties to the national government but failed to work effectively due to issues like states printing their own currencies, restricting trade, and the federal government lacking power to levy taxes or act without approval from nine states.

1. The Articles of Confederation

2. The Articles of Confederation was our first form of government

3. What did the Articles do?

4. Formed a loose union of states

6. Why didn’t the Articles work?

11. Not enough power in the federal (central/national) government