The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation, was not characterized by a strong government, but instead an outline which a more effective government could be built. The Articles of Confederation prevented a strong central government from having power over states rights, which created problems for a government that wants to rule with any amount of authority. This was shown in areas such as foreign relations, internal discontent over tariffs, and political party struggles.
Political party struggles brought about disunity in the early government, thereby weakening its effectiveness. Rawlin Lowndes reflected the attitudes in his speech to the South Carolina House of Representatives, when he stated that, rather get rid of the existing government and adopt a constitution, attempts should be made to improve the existing structure