The national government refers to the central governing body that has authority over an entire nation or country. In the context of the Articles of Confederation, it specifically refers to the limited powers and structure of the federal government.
Related terms
Articles of Confederation: The Articles of Confederation were America's first written constitution that established a weak central government with most power residing in individual states.
Shays' Rebellion: Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising by farmers in Massachusetts against high taxes and debt, highlighting how the national government under the Articles couldn't effectively respond to internal unrest.
Constitutional Convention: The Constitutional Convention was a meeting held in Philadelphia where delegates from different states gathered to revise or replace the Articles of Confederation, eventually leading to drafting and adoption of the U.S. Constitution.