The Articles of Confederation was the United States' first constitution. ... The Articles of Confederation created a national government composed of a Congress, which had the power to declare war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors, and manage relations with Indians. However, it also had many weaknesses. For example, each state only had one vote in Congress, regardless of size. Congress did not have the power to tax. Congress did not have the power to regulate foreign and interstate commerce (Congress didnt have the power to trade with foreign powers or countries.) There was no executive branch to enforce any acts passed by Congress. There was no national court system or judicial branch.
Following the 1994 midterm election, Republicans in Congress attempted to consolidate power by making it politically advantageous to do so in the Senate.
