- landmark in government - provided loose confederation (at least some disjointed unity) - kept alive the ideal of Union, held states together until they were ready to implement a strong constitution - congress still effective in passing land laws (Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance)
Negatives of AoC
- Congress was extremely weak: no power to regulate commerce, states left free to establish laws that were different and in conflict with one another (tariffs, navigation) - no tax-collection program.
