Final answer:
Under the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. national government had limited powers such as declaring war, making peace, engaging in diplomacy, coining currency, and resolving state disputes, but it often lacked effective support from the states.
Step-by-step explanation:
The powers given to the national government in the Articles of Confederation were quite limited compared to the authority granted under the subsequent U.S. Constitution. Despite its weaknesses, the national government was empowered to perform a few key functions. These included the ability to declare war and make peace, exchange ambassadors and make treaties with foreign governments and Indian tribes, coin currency and borrow money, and resolve disputes between states. The Confederation Congress could also act on other matters that affected the country as a whole, but it often lacked the necessary support from the states to carry out these duties effectively.