WI: The United States as a Confederation

I've always wondered about a Confederation whefe the federal government only controls standards (same weapon types in all states, later railroad lengths, etc) and during a conflic against a foreign power they assume control of the armies, among other minor things. The states control the big stuff and for the most part would be on their own.
Would that have worked? Or would it still lead to a disintegration of the country?
 
I've always wondered about a Confederation whefe the federal government only controls standards (same weapon types in all states, later railroad lengths, etc) and during a conflic against a foreign power they assume control of the armies, among other minor things. The states control the big stuff and for the most part would be on their own.
Would that have worked? Or would it still lead to a disintegration of the country?

That could probably work for a little bit, but over all, the U.S. would collapse under a weakened government over time. However, that would be an interesting form of government anyway. It would be weakened because the states would still have more power over all and may not agree with said regulations or conflict, severely limiting the capabilities of a country at war with other greater powers.
 
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