The Articles of Confederation (1781) - the first central government of the United States

Congress was a unicameral legislature with delegates from each state.

- The main power of Congress involved foreign affairs.

- All 13 states had to agree on all amendments.

- 9 of the 13 states had to agree on all federal laws.

* Under the Articles of Confederation, the states had more power than the federal government.

Examples: taxation and law enforcement

* The Articles of Confederation had a weak federal government on purpose because they were afraid of their experiences with the British monarchy and Parliament.