The Articles of Confederation was a weak document in general. The federal government was too weak to enforce laws and basically had no power. Most of the power was in the States rather than the federal government. Congress (legislative branch) was the only federal government under the Articles. They had power to declare war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors, and manage relations with Indians. The federal government didn't have the power to tax. This power was left to the states.