Why did colonists leave England?
To escape feudalism and for the opportunity to own land, for economic opportunities, and to practice religion freely
Articles of Confederation
established a "firm league of friendship," created a confederacy giving power to the state, federal government had few powers and limited ability to carry out those powers
Provisions to the Articles of Confederation empowered Congress to...
make peace, coin money, appoint officers for an army, control the post office, and negotiate with Indian tribes
Problems with the Articles
no executive branch = weak national government, and no power to tax without states' consent which made it difficult to establish a national army without money, congress could pass laws but had little power to execute or enforce them, no authority to regul