The document discusses the flaws in the Articles of Confederation, the governing document of the United States from 1777 to 1788. The Articles created a loose confederation of independent states and had several key defects: it did not allow Congress to levy taxes, regulate commerce between states, or establish a national court system. Additionally, all legislation required the approval of 9 out of 13 states, making it nearly impossible to pass laws. These flaws made the Articles difficult to amend and prompted the drafting of a new Constitution.