From 1781 to 1789, the Articles of Confederation provided the United States with an ineffective government, but strong measures were taken in the Articles to attempt to make the United States United a better country. The Articles created a loose confederation of independent states that granted limited powers to a central government, known as Congress. Certain actions taken by Congress, such as the Treaty of Paris, and certain powers granted to them have sometimes been beneficial to the United States. Nevertheless, in attempting to limit the power of the central government, the Second Continental Congress created one without sufficient power to govern effectively, which led to serious domestic and international problems. The federal government's greatest weakness under the Articles of Confederation was its inability to regulate commerce and raise taxes. In the long run, the Articles of Confederation were a boost to the United States. The Articles of Confederation provided for a national government consisting of a single house of Congress, where each state would have one vote. Congress had the power to create a postal service, estimate government costs and request donations from the states, as well as raise armed forces. Congress could also borrow money, declare war, and enter into treaties and alliances with foreign countries. With this power, Congress was able to make the Articles of Confederation look good by signing the Treaty of Paris in ...