Question

Why was a weak national government created under the articles of confederation.

Answer 1

the Articles left much of the power to the states (if I remember correctly, states basically went by their own state constitution)

Answer 2

The weaknesses of the articles of confederation were that they gave too much power to the states and not enough to the central government, central government wasn't able to pass laws or taxes if all the states did not approve. The only thing government could do was declare war or make peace treaties.