Articles of Confederation
The advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages
The Articles of Confederation were very weak, in a sense that laws were being created, but nobody absolutely HAD to follow them. The government couldn't tax people either and states were taxing each other, weakening the trade system they were in.
Advantages
The Articles of Confederation did in turn, start a unified army for the states, set up at legislature, and were able to deal with foreign affairs so the states didn't have to.
Why was it weak?
I believe that they created the Articles so weak that way the states could have more control over the government, having all of the power with the people and the government there if things get out of hand.