Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation had successes like the Northwest Ordinance but were marred by weaknesses such as the inability to levy taxes or maintain a standing army, exemplified by Shays' Rebellion, prompting the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Articles of Confederation represented the first constitutional framework of the United States, providing for a union of the thirteen sovereign states. One significant accomplishment under the Articles was the Northwest Ordinance, which established a precedent for the orderly expansion of the United States. This ordinance also laid out a framework for creating new states and guaranteeing certain rights within those territories.
Despite its achievements, the Articles also presented pronounced weaknesses. Under the Articles, the central government could not levy taxes or regulate commerce, which left it financially weak and ineffective in promoting trade. Moreover, its inability to form a unified military force hindered the defense of the new nation. Events such as Shays' Rebellion emphasized the dire need for a reformed system, eventually leading to the drafting of the United States Constitution.