While the Articles of Confederation provided a functional government for America, it did not best suit all of our nations needs. Although it provided ideas of authority and control, it did not help our country flourish or grow. The articles set up the government as a democratic republic; however, it did not implement a strong government as much as it set up the basis for one. It was difficult to pass laws, and the ones that had been passed were often only benefitted some states. Therefore, while the Articles were in place, our government lacked control over foreign policy, the western land, and the economy. The Articles of the Confederation put down any authority that our government was to have in foreign relations with Britain, France, and Spain. This was mainly because of their lack of an executive branch. Congress was the only proceeding body that could make any real decisions for the United States. Because of this, the country could go weeks without ever agreeing or compromising on an issue or policy. This led to an immense drop in trade between America and Britain [Document B]. In regards to foreign diplomacy, the U.S. could have gained access, from the Spanish, to the Mississippi River, yet because the Southern states opposed it in congress, the negotiations were futile [Document F]. Within the America itself, there were even troubles enforcing any passed laws or treaty’s, for example the Treaty of Paris was unable to be enforced and so there were still British troops occupying parts of the country [Document D]. Another major issue was that because Congress could not assemble an Army, current U.S. troops became displeased with their lack of pay [Document C]. Due to the lack of foreign policy under the Articles, the Louisiana Purchase would never have been able to be possible. Congress wouldn’t have been able to agree upon the purchase of land before the contract already would have become annulled. Similar to the foreign relations, the economy was left completely independent because congress had little to no ability to tax and regulate commerce. Since the foreign relations of the country were poor, so was the foreign trade; in fact trading between the U.S. and other nations greatly decreased [Document B]. Without the ability to impose tariffs, there were unequal advantages to some states and not to others [Document A]. The lack of control