Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation granted Congress powers such as the ability to declare war, coin money, and handle affairs with Native Americans. However, the enforcement of Congress's decisions was up to the states making the system ineffective during need of federal governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Articles of Confederation, ratified by the thirteen colonies in 1781, was the first constitution of the United States of America. Congress, under the Articles, was granted certain powers but also faced limitations due to the design of the Confederation prioritizing state rights and sovereignty. Some of the powers conferred upon Congress included the ability to declare war, coin money, and handle affairs with Native Americans in territories.
However, it's important to note that the enforcement of decisions made by Congress was reliant on the cooperation of individual states, which could choose whether or not to adhere to Congress's rulings. This contributed to challenges in governance and eventually led to the drafting and official adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1789 which created a stronger central government.
While under the Articles of Confederation, despite the power to declare war, Congress could not raise an army or navy, relying upon the states to provide soldiers. This lack in authority made it difficult for Congress to effectively govern and led to the Articles of Confederation being replaced by the U.S. Constitution, a better balanced system between state and federal governance.
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