The Articles of Confederation placed the most government power in the hands of the individual states. The central government created by the Articles was very limited, with Congress having some powers like making war, negotiating treaties, and regulating coinage, but it depended largely on the states for funds, enforcement, and compliance. The states retained sovereignty, freedom, and independence in most matters, and the national government could not directly tax or enforce law on individuals, which made it a weak central authority. This structure reflected a desire to keep state independence strong after the experience of British rule. Hence, the Articles created a "league of friendship" where states governed themselves with only limited powers delegated to the national government.