The Articles created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, leaving most of the power with the state governments. The need for a stronger Federal government soon became apparent and eventually led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
After being controlled by Britain for so long, Americans were not inclined to hand over power to another central government—even one they elected. For that reason, the proposed Articles of Confederation created a framework for a loose confederation of states.
Ultimately, the Articles of Confederation failed because they were crafted to keep the national government as weak as possible: There was no power to enforce laws. No judicial branch or national courts. Amendments needed to have a unanimous vote.
