What was the primary characteristic of the Articles of Confederation?

The primary characteristic of the Articles of Confederation was that it provided a loose federal government. This means that the Articles established a system where the national government had limited authority and power, and most governance was retained by the individual states. The Articles were created in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, reflecting a desire for independence and wariness of centralized authority.

Thus, states operated almost like independent nations, as the central government lacked significant powers such as the ability to levy taxes or regulate commerce effectively. This structure led to challenges in addressing national issues, highlighting the weaknesses of a loose confederation. Understanding this framework is crucial as it set the stage for the eventual realization that a stronger central government was necessary, leading to the drafting of the Constitution.