What did the Articles of Confederation create?

The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government that lacked the power to levy taxes, regulate trade, or enforce laws. This framework aimed to preserve the sovereignty of the individual states while providing a form of national government. However, the structure created significant challenges, such as the inability to respond effectively to economic crises or enforce treaties.

The Articles were primarily designed to create a loose alliance of states, which ultimately highlighted the limitations of this system and led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The weaknesses inherent in the Articles resulted in states acting independently rather than cohesively, demonstrating the need for a stronger national government, which was a primary motivation for the Convention of 1787. This context underscores why the creation of a weak central government is the correct understanding of the Articles of Confederation.