First, the thirteen states did not have national unity, since they considered themselves separate, independent parties. Secondly, the Confederation lacked an executive branch or president, so legislators voted according to the interests of their own states. Thirdly, the Congress did not have the power to legislate taxes; as a result, it was difficult to collect money from taxes and pay debt. Finally, the Congress was restricted to administer trade within the different states, which limited international trade.
