The Continental Congress, which acted as the de facto national government during the American Revolutionary War, faced numerous challenges in creating a unified framework of governance. Following independence in 1776, it became clear that the colonies needed a more formal structure to coordinate their efforts against British forces and to manage the burgeoning needs of a growing nation. The Articles of Confederation aimed to create a confederation of sovereign states while maintaining individual state powers. This necessitated complex negotiations and compromises among the thirteen states, reflecting diverse interests and concerns. After sixteen months of intense debates and revisions, Congress finally reached a consensus. The final document established a unicameral legislature where each state had one vote, regardless of its size or population, leading to frustrations among larger states. Although the Articles were passed, they effectively limited the federal government's power by prohibiting taxation and lacking a separate executive branch, which were points of contention for future governance. The ratification of the Articles allowed for the formal creation of a central government, though it became quickly apparent that the limitations would hinder effective governance.