Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation established a national government with limited powers creating a 'firm league of friendship' among states, retaining state sovereignty, and lacking enforcement capabilities. This led to inefficiencies, contributing to the adoption of the U.S. Constitution for a stronger federal authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States after the Revolution, establishing a national government characterized by a weak central authority. Drafted in 1777 and ratified by 1781, the Articles created a confederation or 'firm league of friendship' among the states, where each state retained its sovereignty and independence. The national government consisted of a unicameral Congress, which could make decisions but lacked enforcement powers. This restricted framework emerged from a fear of a powerful central government akin to the British rule they had just fought against. Congress could not impose taxes, had no separate executive to enforce its laws, nor a judiciary to interpret them; it could request funds and troops from the states but could not mandate contributions. This inherent weakness led to issues like the inability to finance the government or control uprisings such as Shays' Rebellion, thus prompting the eventual creation of a stronger federal system under the United States Constitution in 1787.