Some were even tarred and feathered and had to defend themselves against all Americans. Most colonies were in the grip of a major economic depression and were just learning to operate without British rules, proving that the national government was too weak to deal with the growing economic and political problems. The Articles of Confederation were signed in March 1781 and lasted only 8 years. The purpose of the Articles of Confederation was to create a rule allowing each state to maintain its "sovereignty, liberty and independence." This made each state independent and only the United States responsible for the country's defense and general welfare. These articles made government as weekly as possible and prevented Congress from taxing and regulating foreign commerce; the laws also required a 9-13 vote to pass. The state often refused to financially support the national government, rendering Congress powerless to enforce the laws it passed. Congress needed money after the Revolutionary War because "the United States spent $37 million nationally, plus $114 million by the states" (American Revolution – America at the