Although ht the Articles of Confederation did possess several redeeming features, for the most part, they were plagued by a number of defects, which stultified their efficacy as a government from 1781 to 1789. That is to say, despite their role in providing a transitional form of government, maintaining some semblance of union among the states, and promoting the organization oaf western lands, the Articles of Confederation exhibited numerous weaknesses that hampered their ability to function as an efficient government. The most salient of these weaknesses were defects in the governmental structure, a lack of essential legislative powers, and t the inability to promote economic growth. As mentioned earlier, the Articles did foster some favorable developments from 1781 to 1789. First of all, while governing during a period of political disunity (extreme state loyalty), the Articles preserved the flickering ideal of union that held the states together, until such time that the states were ripe for a strong constitution by peaceful, evolutionary means. In this sense, the Articles served as a transitional government. .

             The Articles were also responsible for settling western land disputes between several states by encouraging the cession of western lands to the nation al government. Several states, including New York and Virginia claimed to own overlapping territories. In ceding their western lands to the government, however, the conflict as to who actually owned the lands was resolved. Finally, after encouraging the cession of western lands by the states. The Articles provided for the organization of these lands and their subsequent evolution into new states. This was accomplished through the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

             Despite these accomplishments, the Articles were a far cry from being a consummate and effective government for the weaknesses of the Articles heavily outweighed the strengths.