Final answer:
Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress did not have the power to reject state laws, levy taxes, enforce laws, or compel states to repay debts; they could, however, raise an army through state cooperation, borrow money, coin money, make war and peace, and set up a postal department.
Step-by-step explanation:
In assessing whether Congress could exercise certain powers under the Articles of Confederation, it's essential to differentiate between the Articles and the powers granted by the subsequent U.S. Constitution. To clarify:
- Reject state laws in defiance of Congress - False. Congress under the Articles did not have the power to enforce laws.
- Levy taxes on imports - False. Congress could not impose taxes, that power resided with the states.
- Raise an army by asking the states to supply troops - True, but with limitations; Congress could request but not compel.
- Borrow money - True, this was one of the few financial powers Congress retained.
- Coin money - True, Congress had the authority to mint coins.
- Make war and peace - True, Congress was granted these powers of foreign policy.
- Restrict interstate trade - False, there was no regulation of trade between states.
- Enforce laws - False, Congress lacked enforcement power.
- Set up a postal department - True, Congress could oversee the operation of post offices.
- Force states to repay debts - False, Congress could not compel state action.
Overall, the Articles of Confederation provided the Congress with limited federal powers, a precursor to the stronger federal government established by the Constitution.