What was the role of individual states under the Articles of Confederation?

Under the Articles of Confederation, individual states retained significant powers and authority. Each state acted as a sovereign entity, able to make its own laws, regulate trade, and manage internal affairs without interference from a central authority. This structure meant that while there was a national government, it had limited power, and states held the final authority over their own jurisdictions. This arrangement reflected the desire for independence and sovereignty following the American Revolution, but it ultimately led to challenges in governance due to the lack of a strong federal framework to unify the states.

This context is crucial in understanding the Articles' governance system, as it highlights the balance between state and national powers during a formative period in American history.