What was the first national government of the U.S. that could conduct foreign policy, borrow money, and make treaties but had limited power?

The Articles of Confederation served as the first national government of the United States following independence from Britain. Established in 1781, the Articles created a loose confederation of sovereign states, which allowed the national government to conduct foreign policy, borrow money, and make treaties with other nations. However, this government structure had significant limitations; it lacked the authority to levy taxes or regulate commerce, which hindered its effectiveness. The weaknesses of the Articles ultimately highlighted the need for a stronger federal government, leading to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

In contrast, the Virginia Plan was a proposal during the Constitutional Convention that aimed to create a strong national government with a system of checks and balances but was never enacted as a standalone government. The Constitution, adopted later, replaced the Articles of Confederation and established a much stronger federal structure. The Land Ordinance of 1785 was legislation related to land management and did not pertain to the overarching structure of the national government or its powers.