The Articles of Confederation

Why were the Articles of Confederation adopted and for what purpose? To what extent were the Articles an effective form of government for the colonies/the new nation?

The Articles of Confederation were adopted with the purpose that all 13 states could deal with common problems: namely foreign affairs. The Articles of Confederation enforced a Congress that although was weak, at the time was effective because the states were not ready to be subjected to another parties jurisdiction. However because each state did not yield their power to a sovereign federal government they could not deal with their local affairs. Also, all bills of importance required at least two thirds of the vote. However Bailey says, "this unanimity was almost impossible". Therefore because the amending process could not work, Congress later replaced the Articles of Confederation with the constitution.
Also the Articles of Confederation's weak congress and "feeble national government in PA" gave each state pretty much complete control over their own affairs. In time however the states needed "a complete recast federal government to leave them free to control their local affairs".
So even though the Articles held the states together and created a unified front in foreign affairs, it was not the strongest form of government. But without this stepping stone the transition from the revolutionary, autonomous and chaotic colonists to the constitution would never have happened.